With the referendum on next Saturday, we’re opening up this thread for questions about the referendum itself. As I read in an ABC article this morning no-one under 42 has ever been able to vote in a referendum and the last one was ~24 years ago.

This thread is not a place to discuss the alteration itself - that is handled by the older Voice to Parliament Referendum Megathread which will remain open until after October 14. There you will find a wide range of opinions, and do remember these are opinions and not facts.

Anyway this thread is here for anyone that’s got questions about the referendum. And by extension anyone with answers

  • ⸻ Ban DHMO 🇦🇺 ⸻OPMEnglish
    8·
    9 months ago

    I’d better chuck this in here as well…

    What are we voting on?

    This is the proposed alteration to the constitution. Copied from Referendum question and constitutional amendment (voice.gov.au)

    Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

    129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

    In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

    i. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

    ii. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

    iii. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

    The ballot paper will ask the following question:

    A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

    Do you approve this proposed alteration?

    There will be a box, write “Yes” in the box if you approve of the proposed alteration or “No” if you do not. Do not write a tick or a cross as that is not what it says to do and it may not count.

    Remember use the Megathread if you wish to discuss the alteration itself.