A spirit of camaraderie has emerged amongst volunteers of all political colours and creeds at the early voting booth at the Armadale Scout Hall.
This year City of Armadale local Elspeth Marshall stepped up to hand out how-to-vote cards for the Australian Christians at the state and federal elections.
“I’d heard horror stories from polling stations at previous elections of people knocking flyers out of people’s hands etc. So, I was actually dreading it a little bit,” she said.
“I did pray that it would go well and, in the end, everyone was so lovely and got on so well.
“At the state election, Labor volunteers were bringing water for everyone, because it was so hot then. There was just a beautiful spirit.”
So, Elspeth baked cakes and wrote little notes to thank people for making it such a pleasant experience for her.
When she saw some of the same volunteers this time around, one asked hopefully whether she would be bringing her famous raspberry and pistachio friands again.
And on Tuesday, she delivered the goods, with everyone gratefully accepting her tokens of appreciation.
Elspeth, who has volunteered during four previous elections, said not all experiences had been this congenial.
“I was particularly conscious of this year’s state and federal election early voting stations having a very sweet atmosphere,” she said.
“This is what Australia should be; where we can have differences of opinion, but still get on well.
“People died so we could have the freedom to vote – so it’s important to respect that privilege.
“But we’ve seen in the media a lot of negativity, with people being very disrespectful.
“I’m just thankful it hasn’t been like that here. So, I think ‘Go Armadale!’.”
The Examiner spoke with the other volunteers outside the polling place and all confirmed a similarly pleasant experience.
While a few had some trying times during the state election, and others experienced a little hostility at booths in other parts of Perth, all agreed that their time at the Armadale Scout Hall had been nothing but convivial.
Yvonne Hunt, who was handing out how-to-votes for One Nation, said the experience had been uplifting and instilled in her a desire to volunteer again.
“It’s been wonderful. You really couldn’t ask for much more,” she said.
