The person or the party?

[westozfalcon]

In a federal election do you pay more attention to the personality and character of the prospective leader or the policies of their party?

[cripple]

definitely the person and in my voting history it has been about the personality i dislike more then the personality that i like when in the ballot box.

[once_were_warriors]

Every time previously has been on the policies, this time it will be more based upon the leader

[Ian]

Unless you live in a party leaders electorate you can't vote for them personally.
You do vote for a person though, the candidate for your electorate. (The party leaders may sway who you do vote for though)

[wycbloods]

Every time previously has been on the policies, this time it will be more based upon the leader

Why is it you would vote for a leader in this election if you have voted on policies in every other instance?

Genuine Question.

[wycbloods]

Always policies for me.

I vote for the party that best represents my values, i would like different people to be leader other than the one who is the leader from time to time but i would never change my vote based on a leader.

[am Bays]

Always policies for me.

I vote for the party that best represents my values, i would like different people to be leader other than the one who is the leader from time to time but i would never change my vote based on a leader.

Ditto

Policies and values I identify with for me. And it is the sum of the policies - not every policy/platform of the party I vote for I agree with. Also their are policies and platforms of the other party I like.

[once_were_warriors]

Every time previously has been on the policies, this time it will be more based upon the leader

Why is it you would vote for a leader in this election if you have voted on policies in every other instance?

Genuine Question.

Simply because I refuse to have one of them as the Prime Minister of this country, which I can't say about any other previous party leader since I started voting.

[mighty_tiger_79]

vote for policies

and given libs will bring back work choices ill be voting labor

[Q.]

Do the policies dictate who the leader of a party will be, or, does the leader dictate what the policies will be?

The two are inextricably linked.

The thought of voting for either of the major parties brings bile to the back of my throat.

[am Bays]

vote for policies

and given libs will bring back work choices ill be voting labor

No they wont be, labor spin doctors will dress it up as they are but they won't be.

[GWW]

For me its a combination of past performance, policies and personality.

[wycbloods]

vote for policies

and given libs will bring back work choices ill be voting labor

No they wont be, labor spin doctors will dress it up as they are but they won't be.

Rubbish AM Bays. Abbott has well and truly put workchoices back on the table when he said about employers should be able to trade off o/t rates shift penalties etc.

[wycbloods]

Every time previously has been on the policies, this time it will be more based upon the leader

Why is it you would vote for a leader in this election if you have voted on policies in every other instance?

Genuine Question.

Simply because I refuse to have one of them as the Prime Minister of this country, which I can't say about any other previous party leader since I started voting.

Fair enough.

[Magpiespower]

Have always voted Labor.

Not this time.

And I can't wait for the NSW election in March 2011 to vote out those corrupt and incompetent clowns in power.

Voting Liberal to make absolutely 100% sure they don't get my vote.

They will be obliterated!

[mighty_tiger_79]

vote for policies

and given libs will bring back work choices ill be voting labor

No they wont be, labor spin doctors will dress it up as they are but they won't be.

Rubbish AM Bays. Abbott has well and truly put workchoices back on the table when he said about employers should be able to trade off o/t rates shift penalties etc.

EXACTLY RIGHT

ABBOTT has said there shouldnt be weekend penalty rates as well

WORKCHOICES will be back if Libs win again, Abbott said it himself

[Leaping Lindner]

vote for policies

and given libs will bring back work choices ill be voting labor

No they wont be, labor spin doctors will dress it up as they are but they won't be.

Rubbish AM Bays. Abbott has well and truly put workchoices back on the table when he said about employers should be able to trade off o/t rates shift penalties etc.

EXACTLY RIGHT

ABBOTT has said there shouldnt be weekend penalty rates as well

WORKCHOICES will be back if Libs win again, Abbott said it himself

Nah, it could "never ever" happen.

[Psyber]

I voted "The Party" because it is broadly true.
However, I was disenchanted with John Howard and may have voted Labor the election prior to 2007 had they not handed the leadership to Mark Latham - I had been thinking about it, but he scared me off.
Gough Whitlam swayed me to vote Labor on two occasions, prior to the 1975 election when I went the other way.
Prior to that I'd tended to select an Independent for first spot if there was one I liked, and give the Liberals 2nd place.

[Media Park]

Has been the PARTY in the few elections I've been able to vote in.

Problem is, and I do take a genuine interest in Politics, I seem to back the opposition at federal level... no matter who the opposition is...

[Booney]

I'll readily admit I am not as fueled by political debates as many in here, but......I do see myself as "the average voter".

I have never met, encountered, spoken to or required the "services" of my local MP. Therefore to suggest I am voting for them is fanciful.

My vote is cast based upon :

- Whom I wish to see lead the country based upon policy and from there the best way to ensure that party is elected at Federal level is to vote for the local representative in my electorate.

Having said all of that, more and more, despite what is in actual fact reality it is the person running for PM and not the party that most Australians vote for.

Anyone remember Mark Latham? How would Labour ever had won with him in charge and what would have been if Rudd was in charge back then. Would Howard had got his third term?

I also feel voting on policies is fraught with danger. If you are, that means you are trusting them.