Democracy sausage anyone?

Yes, it is that time again. Autumn this year means that every citzen of Australia who is registered to vote on our electoral roll is required to lodge their ballot. Exemptions do apply, but for one day every three years nationally, all our votes are equal, even for folk in the Lodge, or the hopefuls. So we should aim to fulfil our democratic duty and privilege, to exercise our choice.

Talking about politics can lead to some quite irate conversations, best to zip lips and let it all wash over each individual. Already, trees have been chopped down to become politicians sledging each other in my letter box.

Way back when, we boomers were permitted to vote and become legally adults when we arrived at the age of 18 years old. We were adults! Even then, attending a polling booth was always sweetened by a cake stall and a smile from the Mother’s club of the local primary school, Delights were bought, to raise funds for very good causes.

Inventive brainiacs in the catering industry are this year, ready to sell us such treats as a tray of Alby-Cheesy mini-cakes. These are known as cupcakes now, we used to call them fairy cakes. The possiblitiies for icing shades seems endless. For this election, some might bake a six pack of McDutton date scones. Or we can stand there deciding which Plebislice we consume for a snack. Big decision time. Would you prefer the Vanilla Slice or the Caramel Slice? Cannot go wrong with either!

In recent years, ever since wise males designed a portable BBQ, offerings on election day have been advanced to present to the electorate that golden opportunity to eat and enjoy a ‘democracy sausage’. Yes, this expression is now an accepted feature of our Australian English. A truly democratic sausage consists of one sausage, grilled fresh, enfolded in a white slice of bread, and can be ordered to be topped by a side order of grilled onions. Plus fans can add tomato sauce, (jus de pomodori), or runny mild mustard. Sheer bliss. Options can now cater for gluten-free or Vegan sausages, or a range of spicy sausages.

Lately, as the poiticians are gearing up, I noted online a local register being opened for any food vendor with a van, and any coffee van, to sign on and be allocated a May 3rd polling booth. Options might also provide Aussie kebabs sold from a van, or Aussie dim sims, or chips sold from a van. Every community gathering must have a coffee van in these modern times. Gone are the days of a hastily plugged in electric kettle and a large jar of coffee. No, we shall be politically correct, only latte with soy milk or fat-free moo juice will be good enough.

The aroma of the sausages and onions sizzling at polling booths I have been to was always hard to resist. What is your individual preference? Onions or no onions. That is democratic. All this greatly enjoyable thronging for a coffee, a democracy sausage and a cake is now perfectly normal. Some believe it is compulsory, like having to vote. Perhaps a very wise public servant toiling away in Canberra, added a bit to the Australian Constitution, “Section 101: # Subsection A-X, there shall be democracy sausages on election days.” Very clever, whoever wrote that, and much appreciated by the electors.

In these days in 2025, due to some minor mobility issues, I am a registered postal voter. Some gal pals vote at pre-election polling booths. Not quite the same, because no sausage sizzle for democratic freedoms. Not to worry, hope we can all choose wisely. A democracy sausage might reduce some of the angst for being there. Sausage, anyone?