On Being An American Abroad: Voting Systems

The episode I am about to share with you was quite embarrassing, I must say. It taught me something, though, and so I want to share the story.

One day while at Kelvin Grove, waiting for my lecture to begin, I was on my computer at the laptop cafe. An Aussie student sat next to me with a poster. On this poster were several world-wide landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, La Torre di Pisa, etc. Among them was Chitchen Itza, a famous Mexica pyramid which I have visited (Cancun, Spring Break 2006). I showed my interest to the girl, and we started chatting.

After a few minutes of conversation she said, "I take it you're from America?" "Yes," I replied. Suddenly she got this happy expression on her face and asked, "Oh, great! I've always wanted to ask this one question to an American!" At this I got a little nervous, but I said, "shoot."

"How does the voting system in America work?"

Oh, crap.

It wasn't so bad that I didn't have an answer for her. It was bad because it was an answer I should have had for her. I don't think I'll ever be so interested in politics that I'll understand our voting system 100%, but! I certainly know now a lot more about it than I did before coming to Australia.

I ended up telling her something about how I was the worst person to ask, but that there was about a year of campaigning among candidates, that it was a big hype about the first woman and first African American running, and that sometime in November I vote. It was the worst answer I have ever given.

As you can see, quite embarrassing. That sort of thing happens while abroad, and it was a good lesson learned.

On another note, in Australia it is compulsory for all Australian citizens to cast their vote. They have a couple weeks of campaigning, and on a certain date they make one vote and know who is in charge the next morning. Too easy.

So, here's a great tip for people going abroad: know your own country's voting system.

-Amanda