Election ramble

So... Labor loses a few percent, FF gain a few percent, there is a decided swing to the good old Informal Party in many seats... what is going on?

Re FF, I wonder whether the votes that they gained were drawn directly from Labor (due to voters not knowing what FF are) or whether it was a knock-on effect like those executive stress balls; Labor voters voting Liberal, Liberal Voters voting FF. It seems a little more logical, but presumes an educated voter base, and I don't think we have that. I've long held that well informed and educated voters are key to accountable government. Perhaps the results of the cunning plan of the school closing, funding slashing Libs is finally kicking in? I have a horrible feeling that a 'Kath and Kim' party would have polled well in many places. *blanch, cringe, retch*

I notice that the ADLP have gained votes, too, but that does not boggle me as much as FF doing so. I wonder how the Greens went in the plus or minus stakes? I really should read a bit more about it. *sigh*

Here in West Ballarat, I was reduced to voting against the least favourite party rather than for a preferred party. Oh well. I was told by the polling dude that they were short of polling place workers this election. I must decide whether I wish to put my name down to work at further elections or finally do my research and work out which specific political party I want to formally get behind. I find it disturbing that despite being interested in the ideaologies and mechinations behind political parties, I've never felt qualified to make a decision regarding which party to join, yet I still vote. What of the people who care less - who are less informed? I'd be happy to let them vote informal.

Maybe I should found a political party of my own and call it the"Happy, Shiny People Holding Hands Party" or the "Noice Party" with a slogan- "Look at moie Kimmoie, look at moie!" and ultra-authouritarian policies that would make your brain bleed. Now that would be an interesting experiment.