History of Voting Rights

By Tanatsswwaa2305

  • Women granted voting rights

    Voting rights granted but not a seat in Parliament

  • Plural voting was abolished for the Legislative Assembly

    Previously, the law had permitted electors
    to vote in any Legislative Assembly district in which
    they had satisfied certain residential property
    requirements. Some electors had been able to
    cast as many as 30 votes in one general election.
    This change meant that an elector was restricted to
    one vote in one Legislative Assembly district.

  • Modifications for Legislative Council electors were introduced

    It was to require the possession of freehold
    property worth at least £50 ($4900 AUD in
    today's money) and leasehold or householder
    qualifications of £17 ($1600 AUD in todays money)
    annual value.

  • Compulsory enrolment was introduced for Legislative Assembly elections

  • Voting was made compulsory for Legislative Assembly elections

    Citizens were subject to a fine if
    they did not cast a vote and a ‘valid, truthful and
    sufficient reason’ was not provided.

  • Voting rights were granted to Aboriginal people with voluntary enrolment

  • Restricted adult franchise was removed for electors to the Legislative Council

    Removed with the abolition of property qualifications. Plural voting was also abolished with enrolment and voting being made compulsory for the Legislative Council.

  • The minimum age for voters was reduced from 21 years to 18 years

  • Enrolment and voting was made compulsory for all eligible citizens