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I’ve journeyed 1497 kilometres across three nations to cast my vote in Australia’s 2023 referendum, seeing as I’m working in Europe, away from my hometown of Perth.
“It’s my civic duty,” I declared confidently to my uncle in South London, even after learning that a train strike would add an extra two hours to my journey to the Australian embassy.
Ready to vote, and hoping the rain holds off until I get inside the building.
“I want to be part of a decision that could change Australia.”
Or rather, a decision I hope will change Australia.
The referendum, on recognising Indigenous Australians in the constitution and establishing a Voice to Parliament for direct communication with the government, has shed light on Australia’s priorities and prejudices.
Like many Australian families, mine is divided into Yes and No camps, with my mother candidly admitting that she’s voting to cancel out her partner’s vote.
Having spent the past two months travelling through Europe, I’ve been fortunate to escape much of the contentious lead-up to the vote. Relaxing on the beach in Spain, I may even have been tempted to pass on voting in this referendum altogether had I not been caught up in what well-intentioned friends were posting online.
Various logistical factors meant the Australian Embassy in Madrid wasn’t an ideal next step in my travels. So, perhaps a little tired of roasted padron peppers and sangria anyway, I went for the next option.
I boarded a train in Barcelona, then another in France, and some 14 hours later, I arrived at my uncle’s house in the UK, where I made my way to the in-person polling stations at Australia House.
Consulting my phone for the instructions, I noted:
The polling place: Australia House, corner Melbourne Place and The Strand, London. Credit: Jessica Tana
- Voting hours are from 11 am to 6 pm, while the embassy closes at 5pm.
- Long queues are to be expected between 12pm and 2pm (I’m set to arrive precisely at 12.45 pm).
- With the likelihood of a queue outside the High Commission, some will not be protected from inclement weather. I look up inclement weather: 1. Stormy 2. Showing no clemency; unmerciful.
- The Australian High Commission lacks public restrooms and baby-changing facilities.
- Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Only non-alcoholic liquids with sealable lids are permitted inside the voting hall.
So, no bags, no drinks, no toilets and a long queue in unmerciful rain.
I reminded myself of my civic duty.
For the Yes campaign to prevail, it requires majority backing nationwide, as well as approval in at least four out of the six states. Historically, no Australian referendum has succeeded without the endorsement of both major political parties. More the reason for those of us travelling to cast our vote into the fray, I think.
As I entered the hall, I was ushered into a line organised by state. To my surprise, the WA line was the only one with a noticeable crowd. I joined the line and found myself surrounded by fellow West Australians in London who had come to vote.
“So, this is where I gotta go to meet Australians around here,” a man to my left said. He smiled happily. Too happily. “Voting booths in London, haw haw!”
Reaching the registration booth, I heard him use the same line to another woman who had joined the WA queue. The attendant took note of my backpack (bulging slightly from the drink bottle inside) but refrained from commenting.
After providing my name, I proceeded to the voting area. I received my ballot and wrote my word in capital letters, restraining myself (with effort) from adding any exclamation marks.
“Thank you for coming,” an embassy staff member said to me as I exited the booths with my envelope.
“Oh well, civic duty and all that,” I said humbly, and maybe a little smugly. “Can you take a photo of me putting the envelope into the ballot box?”
“Absolutely not,” he said.
And with that, I was guided back into the tepid sunshine of an English autumn day. My fellow West Australian from the line arrived too, shortly afterwards.
He smiled again, and I ducked my head to avert eye contact.
We walked in opposite directions. Maybe we’ll be walking in opposite directions forever.
Soon we will find out.
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