Threw ballot paper on the floor

I DECIDED to at least open my ballot papers and probably vote. The first thing I looked at was the councillor ballot, 36 candidates, with the instructions “Number the boxes from 1 to 36 in order of your choice”. I chose to throw it on the floor. There’s taking interest, but that’s pushing it. At arm’s length, I can clearly read most every word on the ballot paper. The only words I can’t make out are those right at the bottom in the smallest font on the ballot, in thin font, and in italics. I thought it probably said “Printed on recycled paper” or something useless, but it is the most important printing on the ballot. You only have to go to 12. That I can manage, except for the last three days I’ve been using the ballot paper as a coaster. The same goes for mayor and deputy — 11 down to 1.

There are so many reasons the ballot paper will deter people from voting, and those who do could inadvertently cast an informal vote. If you’re a candidate and you don’t win, ask for a re-vote, or at least your money back. Ardie Larsen Sandy Bay

Just bewildered

THE headlines indicate voters can’t be bothered to vote ( Mercury, October 11). Instead, I feel bewildered as I face long lists of candidates and attempt to base my selection on a short written statement from each one. It seems an impossible task. Granted I could take pot luck, and pick numbers like Tattslotto, but I want more. I feel a sense of responsibility. I want to make an informed choice in a system that seems irresponsive and at times apathetic about local concerns. So I try to read between the lines to select what I believe is the best team of candidates. With such meagre information whom can I trust to keep abreast of the challenges of the next four years? Who will work towards creating a sustainable future for my area?

It seems my wariness is justified. Comments from concerned readers illustrate how the present system is outdated and ripe for exploitation. Are adequate checks and balances in place to safeguard democratic principles in local elections? If not, why not? P. Webb Sandy Bay

Don’t let minority rule

HOPEFULLY a large number of Hobart citizens vote in the council election. If there’s not a proportionate effort from the population then the council could be taken over by greener interests/the anti everything brigade. I agree with no skyscrapers on the city landscape but am 100 per cent pro cable car and associated development. Please make the effort, don’t allow the minority to dictate to the majority. Brad Rogers Lindisfarne

Going rogue

AT a forum I suggested the mayor be elected by aldermen after an election for a two-year period. This ensures the mayor has the support of the majority of aldermen and delivers a more productive council. Should the mayor go rogue or not deliver, aldermen have an opportunity to change the mayor at the end of the twoyear period. If the mayor delivers for the best interests of the city, aldermen would support them for a second two-year peri- od. Currently if a mayor resigns, dies or is dismissed an election would occur costing $150,000-$200,000 if it was more than six months prior to an election. A mayor elected by aldermen would do away with this costly process. Importantly it would do away with the popularity contest, promises that may never be delivered and external interferences. This election could be disastrous if the election delivered a mayor who didn’t enjoy majority support of other aldermen. Hobart alderman Marti Zucco, candidate for mayor and alderman

Modernise

AS a ratepayer at Tasman Council my wife and I are entitled to vote. I rang the council, after no electoral papers arrived in the mail where I live at Lindisfarne, and was told I have to be on the General Manager’s Role in order to vote, as a non-resident ratepayer. That’s fine but I was told we will both have to travel (from Lindisfarne) to the council chambers in Nubeena personally in order to register. Otherwise we forfeit our democratic right to vote. The Tasmanian Electoral Office needs to move into the 21st century. Ridiculous! Arthur Orchard Lindisfarne

Easier with Rob

I’M overwhelmed by the number of candidates in the Hobart election and exhausted after voting. I blame Rob Valentine. Much easier when he was running because no one bothered to run against such a popular mayor.

Elizabeth Osborne North Hobart