Sport + Voting

I want the things I care about prioritised and supported by policy and law. I see my vote as an opportunity to make the things I care about part of political discourse. 

Considering my position on issues and reviewing candidates’ positions before I vote can help me align my vote to my values. Considering how the political system works can help me make an informed choice about who to vote for and how to keep decision makers accountable.  

My vote may end up being counted as one of the votes contributing to a candidate's election win, or election loss. My vote can go to an independent, a major party or a minority party.

Either way, my vote, and every vote, when counted, shows statistically what proportions of the population support specific issues made prominent by candidates whom individuals have voted for. This provides a snapshot of how public perception has shifted between elections on big ticket issues, all sides of parliament and their analysts absorb this. So, my vote, and your vote matters, to all sides of politics.  

Now aligning to a political party or individual candidate can be difficult to navigate for organisations and individuals alike. 

Particularly those who receive funding for delivery, infrastructure and participation aka the sports ecosystem. 

Larger sports bodies have government relationship managers who advocate and work with politicians and departments between elections. This is much easier to do if your values align with the party elect.

As an individual, sporting organisation, athlete, sports sponsor or partner or community club you can take part in this election.

First up Vote!

Consider supporting people to know how to use their voice and their vote by providing your sphere of influence with links to find:

• their electorate https://electorate.aec.gov.au/

• their candidates https://www.aec.gov.au/election/candidates.htm

• where, when to vote https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/

• how to vote https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/How_to_Vote/

• information to consider when casting their vote https://www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/election-campaigning.htm

• information on how our political system works https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/how-parliament-works/bills-and-laws/from-policy-to-law

This information could be on the scoreboard or social media posts through internal staff communications or on notice boards. As a printed flyer, email or QR code. All of this is publicly available information, it is enabling information, not politically aligned. 

Consider giving people space to vote, acknowledge schedules and pressures and openly provide opportunity for staff, volunteers, athletes, fans and others in your sphere of influence with time to vote.

This is a communications piece and might look like

• an early finish or late start to the workday without penalty

• a reminder to vote before polling day for volunteers and support to share the load this Saturday in community sport…at soccer yesterday there were volunteers onsite ALL day (go team) our family was at the ground between 12 noon and 5pm, next week we will be out for most of the day with two kids, two venues and just over 2 hours for each parent of travel time plus match time - so we will need to attend a pre-polling site this week, many others will too)

• scheduling training at a time that allows athletes to vote on polling day or help at polling booths if they wish

  
  

Think about the resources you could provide, social media tiles, links, emails with pre-written communications messages that support giving people space to vote and information about the voting process.

Think about the people who support professional sports delivery on the 3rd May - cleaners, food and beverage service, marshals, security, officials, fans. 

Are there ways to support them?

Providing support and space for those in your community to vote is valuing their voice and their vote as equal. 

Consider communicating your position on topical issues this week, issues that matter to your sport, including climate change, reconciliation and inclusion and issues you have already publicly created position papers or policy on.

Consider - as an individual - making a donation or helping out your chosen candidate.

I will be voting for climate action, integrity and accountability. I’m still researching and practicing my senate vote, below the line.

#greenplanetsport #regenerativesport #sportforgood #sportwithpurpose