"Yes" or "No"

Yes, I promise to get back to something more "interesting" tomorrow but today needs to be devoted to an important issue. 

When Downunderites vote in the upcoming referendum they need to write "Yes" or "No". They need to write a word. They should  not under any circumstances put a "tick" or a "cross". 

The Electoral Commission is saying it will take ticks but it will not take crosses. Yes, this is legal but it does not make it right. It is wrong. You are being asked to write a word. A "tick" may signify you agree but it is not what you are being asked to do.

At the last referendum - which changed the Marriage Act - this was of far less importance because we were not being asked to change the Constitution of this country merely provide an opinion on same sex relationships. That could have been done without going to the people but it was such a divisive issue the government did go to the people. 

This is something entirely different. If the referendum succeeds then we are putting something into the Constitution which can only be removed by another referendum in the future.  This is not the "simple" thing the Prime Minister keeps telling us it is. If it succeeds it will involve a major change to the way we are governed.  What happens under that change may or may not be large but in itself it is a major change. It is a major change because it will give one very small group of people a potentially much greater say than the rest of the population.  

There are constitutional implications which are causing concern even among those who support the proposal. It is uncharted territory. It is a journey we do not need to take because the government already has the power to "listen" or "take advice" from the group in question. There are many, many organisations which provide this "advice". That is not a problem. The problem has been the willingness to take the advice on board and do what needs to be done. Changing the Constitution will not do this. 

The referendum is likely to be held in mid-October, almost certainly the 14th. You have until then to learn to read the voting paper and learn to write "Yes" or "No". Do not put a tick or a cross. This is the Constitution you are voting to retain or change. It matters.