Participation in our democratic process is compulsory. You have to make a decision. Do you opt out after getting your name crossed out, cast a donkey vote or vote for a donkey? What if you dislike/distrust all the donkeys and you are part of the majority who thinks like you? This can't be real DEMOCRACY. What do we need to do to have an additional box on the ballot paper. 'NONE OF THE ABOVE'. That way, if this box counts as a significant proportion of the vote, they will know the voters are NOT HAPPY.

Margo: Hi John. To me, there's no excuse for voting informal because by doing so you're opting out of the privilege and responsibility of living in a democracy. Look around, find some people who also see no acceptable choice in your seat, and talk a person you all trust to stand with your total support when the going gets rough. Or join a party and do your best to ensure that party picks a trustworthy candidate who believes in service to the people. That's a long term solution, of course, so for this election, how about giving your first preference to a minor party candidate. If he or she gets 4 percent of the vote, public funding kicks in. Remember, your first preference vote is worth $2 if your candidate gets that 4 percent. That's the only way we, the people, can have a go at getting a more even playing field in politics and letting the big two know that we're not happy! And have a look at peoplepower for an interesting attempt to create a new political party!