Democracy Sausage: Australia’s Election Day Snack and Cultural Symbol

On polling day, Australians celebrate their electoral duty by enjoying “democracy sausages,” a cultural tradition that is integral to the voting experience. These sausages sold at polling places serve as fundraisers for school and community groups, and a website tracks their locations. The term shows no signs of fading, even in the face of changing voting trends.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — On Saturday, as Australians fulfilled their civic duty at polling stations, many indulged in what is affectionately known as the “democracy sausage.” This cultural staple has emerged as a significant part of polling day, akin to the national imagery of koalas and Vegemite, with some voters considering it nearly as crucial as casting their ballots.

The democracy sausage, generally a grilled sausage nestled in white bread and often adorned with onions and ketchup, has transformed from a simple snack to a light-hearted national emblem of electoral engagement. As one website that tracks the real-time locations of democracy sausage stands notes, “It’s practically part of the Australian Constitution.”

This tradition extends beyond the mere act of voting. School groups and community organizations rely on sales from democracy sausages as their most profitable fundraiser of the year. On election day, these savory offerings are served up at polling places across the nation — and even beyond — with locations as far-reaching as Australian embassies in New York, Riyadh, Nairobi, and Tokyo, as well as a research station in Antarctica.

The spunky friends behind the apolitical website democracysausage.org launched the initiative in 2013 amid their own confusion over which polling places would offer food. Spokesperson Alex Dawson shared how their website has evolved to help voters find not just sausage options but also gluten-free, vegan, and halal alternatives. Election Day for them can be chaotic. “We usually rope in a few friends to keep tabs on stall updates and ensure no one runs out of sausages,” Dawson explained.

In 2022, they reported 2,200 out of 7,000 polling places served up democracy sausages and snacks, with vendors earning a staggering $4.1 million Australian dollars, or about $2.6 million US dollars. Dawson anticipated at least a similar turnout this past Saturday.

The origins of the term “democracy sausage” remains somewhat of a mystery, although food fundraising at polling booths has been common for nearly a century. According to Judith Brett, a political professor at LaTrobe University and author of “From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage: How Australia Got Compulsory Voting,” what began as bake sales in the 1920s evolved into sausage sizzles in the 1980s, thanks to portable barbeque grills.

The democracy sausage has found its success partly in the structure of voting in Australia, where elections are held on Saturdays and laws necessitate voter participation — leading to turnout rates surpassing 90%. The lightheartedness of the idea reflects the Australian sense of humor. “It was a bit of a joke,” Brett commented, emphasizing its grassroots nature: it was not concocted by the government or political parties but grew naturally from within communities.

Dawson mentioned, “It’s something that binds everyone together.” Indeed, the Australian National Dictionary Centre recognized “democracy sausage” as its word of the year in 2016. This humble snack has also become a political symbol; aspiring leaders often engage with it, sometimes awkwardly, feeding into the folklore of Australian politics through memes and amusing images.

As some speculate early voting trends could spell trouble for the democracy sausage, Dawson feels secure. With over 4 million Australians voting early, many still flocked to polling stations on Saturday in search of the sausage experience. “There are reports of foreign tourists and students visiting polling places just for the sausages,” Dawson noted, sporting a sense of pride in this cultural quirk.

The democracy sausage not only represents a uniquely Australian tradition but also serves as an engaging focal point for civic participation during elections. With a blend of humor and community spirit, this peculiar snack has stood the test of time, remaining relevant even as voting methods evolve. Ultimately, it exemplifies how culture and politics intertwine, bringing people together in a celebration of democracy.

Original Source: www.newsday.com