OPINION
2020 marks the 12th election that I have voted in (although while overseas I almost missed out on voting in 1996). I have only voted one way on each of those occasions. In the end it all comes down to what I believe in, being self-determination and hard work and the party and/or candidate which best matches that.
It's always been a pretty easy decision except for two times. The first came in 2002, when I went into the booth determined to vote another way but, with felt tip pen in hand I "came home" to the party I had always voted for. At heart I am a centrist leaning right. As it happens that particular poll was a disaster for that particular party and, given that I was a committed supporter, the fact that I almost voted elsewhere was a signal that all was not right with the party – and that is how the election result panned out.
The second time, was this time. Unlike the first time, I was pretty steadfast that nothing was going to change when I handed over my voter identification card and engaged with the friendly scrutineering people at the former Frank Bar. I'd even go so far as to say that it was all going well until I was in the booth and read the voting paper. And I can see my left leaning friends reading this going "aha!" and quoting Luke Skywalker "there is good in him"!
Many people will identify with moments where their life flashes before their eyes, or how TV shows often show protagonists having mental flashbacks or visions. However, I had, as if he was standing in front of me, a vision of my brother (Greg) saying to me that he had "voted according to my beliefs and principles" - part of a conversation regarding early voting.