Election 2025: Shire Voter Hospitalised After Attempting Full Below-the-Line Senate Vote: “I Just Wanted My Democracy to Count”

Callum Finnerty | Special Features Editor | Sutherland Shire Gazette

1 May 2025

A local man has been treated for minor wrist trauma after attempting to number every single box below the line on the enormous Senate ballot paper during early voting last night, in what medical professionals are calling “a clear case of civic overenthusiasm.”

Craig, 38, of Gymea Bay, arrived at the early voting centre at 6:43pm “determined to make his vote count properly.” Witnesses say he approached the booth with a biro, a keep cup, and “the energy of someone who’d just skimmed The Monthly.”

“I’ve always believed in an engaged democracy,” said Craig, moments before being helped into a chair by an AEC official and someone’s aunty from the sausage sizzle. “I wanted to number every box thoughtfully. Even the micro-parties with names like Lawn Order and The Shire Pub Trivia Reform Alliance.

His ballot paper, estimated at 1.2 metres long when fully unfurled, now contains 98 hand-numbered boxes — and one half-scribbled 99, where his wrist gave out mid-stroke.

An AEC volunteer described the scene as “tense but deeply respectful,” noting that the last time someone tried to go full below-the-line was in 2016, when a Miranda woman dislocated her shoulder trying to number a record 110 candidates during the Double Dissolution.

Craig is expected to make a full recovery. His pen, however, was retired with honours.

A reminder to all readers: Australia votes tomorrow (Saturday 18 May). To spare your wrist — and your sanity — try building your ballot in advance at buildaballot.org.au.

Your democracy doesn’t have to hurt.

Election 2025: