This year, the focus is on how human rights can empower individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow.
2024 reminds us to carefully guard the institutions, processes and practices that centre our individual and collective dignity, and to develop and maintain constituent frameworks for balancing competing human rights and public interests. A healthy democracy makes sure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process.
South Australia was the first electorate in the world to give equal political rights to both men and women (in 1894). But it wasn't until 1962 that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were allowed to vote at federal elections. Then, in 2010, Rowe v Electoral Commissioner, the High Court struck down laws that required the electoral rolls to close on the date of the issue of electoral writs. The impact of this case continues today however to note, in the 2013 election, over 180,000 people enrolled, re-enrolled or updated their details.
Voting rights are just one of a range of human rights such as freedom of speech, association and assembly that are vital to our democracy.
“Two cheers for democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism.” - E.M. Forster
In 1907 the State Electoral Department was created as an independent office responsible for the conduct and administration of parliamentary elections in South Australia. The State Electoral Department then became the State Electoral Office in 1993 and to our current name of, the Electoral Commission SA, in 2009. The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) was the first electoral administration in the world to use computer technology to produce an electoral roll, the first prototype roll scanner, and the development and use of cardboard ballot boxes and voting compartments.
ECSA constantly reviews our work practices to ensure the quality of our electoral services and products, make voting easier. Our influence in shaping how South Australians vote, is witnessed through our initiatives to assist eligible voters at parliamentary elections, including the recent Dunstan and Black by-elections: (read more https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/news/2024-idpwd )
References:
https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/about-ecsa
https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2019/5/18/defending-australians-right-to-vote
Rights Resource Media Contact List: https://www.rightsnetworksa.com/_files/ugd/8cf77c_86ebcd64819c4b8881ed77dd8314a067.pdf