I have no idea how you should vote.
That’s not my question. Are you unable to answer it?
I’m a free swinging voter looking to gather information in advance of the election.
Okay, here we go.
Factors to consider when voting in the Vic State election.
1. Previous voting patterns. Between 60% and 80% of voters are rusted on to a party and will usually vote the same way regardless.
2. Choosing between parties and policies. Fraught with danger as they are all prone to misleading statements and promises they can't or don't want to keep.3. Choosing between Leaders. Also fraught with danger for obvious reasons. (think Tony Abbott or Kevin Rudd for example)
4. Choosing between local candidates. My preferred option as you have the opportunity to meet them in person and make a more reasoned decision.
5. A protest vote. If you think Labor is a shoe-in then you may consider a protest vote. In the words of the late Don Chipp, "keep the bastards honest".
6. Past performance. Only applicable to Labor as they have been in for a long time. Voting on past performance can go either way depending on how you think the Government has gone. Think Covid response or infrastructure spending for example.
In summary it is an individual decision.
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