Like a jilted lover who's had their heart broken beyond repair, Paul Batey has lost faith in the Australian political system.
The 44-year-old British immigrant who votes in the safe Liberal seat of Bennelong admits he once was "very into politics" and was once even "a member of the Australian Labor Party". But since 2007, Batey has voted informally in all federal, state, and even local elections.
"There are a couple of things that play into it," he said. "But it's mostly because our vote is a single transferable vote. So whomever I vote for, it ultimately translates into a Liberal or Labor vote, because of preferences. So I can actually vote for someone else and it can go where I don't want it to end up."
The 5.9 per cent of Australian voters cast informal votes for the House of Representatives in 2013, 5.6 per cent in 2010, and 4.0 per cent in 2007. That number falls when it comes to the Senate with 3.0 per cent of voters casting informal votes in 2013, 3.8 per cent in 2010, and 2.6 per cent in 2007.
So, instead of ranking his preferences on his ballot as required, Batey submits an empty ballot paper covered in what he coyly called "doodles".
"I draw doodles, but I won't tell you of what!" he laughed, later confirming that he does not draw the classic 'dick and balls' on his ballots.
But it's not simply the lack of democratic voice Batey feels he has that pushes him to cast an informal vote. It comes just as much from his frustration at both major parties and their social policies, which he finds "unconscionable".
Paul Batey's green ballot paper this election. (Supplied) Source: Supplied
"Different parties have different economic policies people can choose from. But when it comes down to social issues, their policies are all the same, and that comes down to human suffering," he said. "They're policies that either dispossess Aboriginal people or locks up asylum seekers."
His breaking point was during a conversation with a group of Labor canvassers on the street over a decade ago. Some of the policies on the agenda that day, especially those concerning asylum seekers, seemed very off-brand for the Labor party. When Batey voiced his concern the response he received was one he found "really disheartening".
A polling official checks a ballot paper from the Senate. Source: AAP
"'Oh we're just saying that to get in,' they said. And that they were going to change it once they got in. But you're there to lead people not to dupe them!" Batey said.
Of course, there are several ways Batey could try to actualise change in these policy areas. he could join lobby groups, attend rallies and conventions, or start petitions to make his voice heard. However, Batey said he doesn't care about politics enough to take any kind of initiative.
"Yeah I've thought about it, but thinking is one thing and doing is another. I live a pretty good life as is, I don't need much. I'm okay, you know?" he said.
100821: Polling Day Imagery, Adelaide. Source: SBS Radio
In spite of not exercising his right to vote in Australia, Bately, who is a dual citizen holder of Australia and the UK did vote in the EU referendum last week; he voted for the UK to remain.
"I just wanted to keep my EU passport," he said.
Bately is also an avid follower of the Eurovision Song Contest, for which he was sure to make his vote count. He voted for Austria in this year and for Belgium in 2015.
