Kerry’s been busy writing a list of some of the most common misconceptions that get thrown around about referendums. Alex and Meg do their best to keep up as they debunk fact from fiction and cross them off one by one. Plus, Meg gives you a crash course on misinformation vs disinformation and why the difference matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The votes are in, the booths are closed, but what happens now? In the last episode of the series, Alex and Meg take Kerry through what happens after voting day - including how the votes are counted, what security is in place during that process, and how long until we get a result.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens next?

So, we’ve examined the process, learnt about the history, and highlighted the things to be aware of during a referendum. But now, it’s voting day and you want to know what to expect! In this episode, Kerry gets the lowdown from Alex and Meg about what the voting day experience is like and how you can make the most of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your answer matters

Alex and Meg highlight some of the work that the AEC does to tackle disinformation including a handy disinformation register that you can access today! Plus, Alex has some more handy tools for you to recognise and combat referendum disinformation that you come across.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disinformation (it’s fake!)

In the first of a two-parter, the team from the AEC give you the rundown on disinformation and why it can spell trouble at referendum time. They look at some common examples of disinformation and provide some tools for recognising disinformation yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disinformation (stop, check and consider)

Referendum misconceptions

Alex and Meg give you the full rundown on the double majority and why Australia uses this method for counting referendum votes. Don’t let the simple description fool you, there’s a bit to unpack with this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So…what’s a double majority?

A lot of work goes into holding a referendum, and in this episode the team take you through the whole process from start to finish. Meg and Alex will answer questions like how is a referendum questioned formed, how is the pamphlet produced, and who even decides to hold a referendum? Plus, Kerry gets curious when Alex sneak previews the “double majority”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did we get here?

In this episode we highlight the team at the AEC and the important work it does. Meg and Alex give Kerry insights into the AEC's role, and what the agency isn't responsible for as well. Alex explains why it’s so important to have an independent body overseeing the process, using a great sporting analogy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the AEC?

Think of this episode as a little history lesson sprinkled with some great pub trivia facts about referendums. Meg and Alex walk Kerry through the colourful history of referendums in Australia, looking at things like how many we’ve had and when our last referendum happened. Get to know the history before we launch you into the present!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history of referendums

To kick off the series, Kerry meets Alex and Meg from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), who will be taking you on your referendum journey. They dive into why Australia holds referendums and why we're so lucky to have them. Plus, they explore the differences between a referendum, an election and a postal vote survey like the 2017 Marriage Law Postal Survey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why have a referendum?

This year Australia will hold a referendum.
Voters will be asked if the Constitution should be altered to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
But with this being Australia’s first referendum in over 20 years, many people may have no experience with the process.
This podcast from the Australian Electoral Commission is here to help get you referendum 2023 ready.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Referendum misconceptions

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