It’s been over a month now since the federal election and I just wanted to post a public thank you to everyone who voted for me and helped me out during the campaign.
Thanks to your support I managed to poll 718 votes, or nearly one percent of the primary vote — a really pleasing result given the deficiency of lead time and tiny amount of campaigning. I can only hope that the secular message catches on, and we can pull even more votes next time, sending a signal that we are concerned with the increasingly emboldened radical religious movements within Australia and abroad, and that we are prepared to vote to keep Australia secular.
On election day I stood at the Pyrmont Community Centre polling booth, giving out how-to-votes. The words of support and acknowledgement that some of you gave to me were a great encouragement and I hope that I’ve helped your voices be heard.
In particular I’d like to thank Jay, Ian, Lyle, and Warren for helping distribute leaflets in the week leading up to the election as well as Erin for donating her time to stand in the firing line at a polling booth for a few hours. Also to Matt R, for the leaflet drops, discussions and helping out at Pyrmont on the day. To those of you who emailed me directly, such as Peter and Karen, your thoughts and well-wishes were very appreciated.
Lastly, but by no means at all least, to my darling partner Mandy, who put so much effort into leaflet dropping, organising the election party, constantly salving a doubtful soul, putting up with the sleepless nights, and everything else that she always does: you’re the best and I couldn’t have done it without you.
On a final note: I’m serving as the Membership Officer for the newly formed NSW branch of the Secular Party. We’re going to be driving for 750 NSW members so that we can be registered as an official political party in this state. If you’re at all interested in joining this important cause, please email me or watch this space.