In this episode, we dive deep into the personal and professional stories behind Australian Election Day. Our hosts reflect on what it means to participate in democracy, recounting the energy, pressure, and unpredictability of the big day. From the buzz of the tally room to navigating election logistics in the campaign’s final week, this episode explores the emotional and strategic layers of a national vote. You'll also hear insights into polling accuracy, voter behaviour, and the growing challenge of reaching soft voters in a changing political landscape.

Connect with us:

Annie O’Rourke
Dr. Rachel Howard
Larissa Brown

Rebecca Huntley 

Links:
89 Degrees East

Politiv

Key Takeaways:

• Democracy is a privilege, celebrated through shared experiences and stories.

• Election day often brings unexpected challenges—and camaraderie among staffers.

• The tally room is the heart of election night drama and anticipation.

• Understanding and scrutinising polling trends remains critical.

• Soft voters can swing results, making last-minute persuasion efforts essential.

• Successful campaigns rely on nimble election logistics, especially in the final week.

• Personal reflections on election night reveal the emotional toll of political work.

• Accurate reading of voter behavior is vital for both strategy and expectation management.

Chapter Breakdown:
00:00 – Celebrating Democracy: Election Day Stories
05:04 – The Tally Room Experience: Highs and Lows
11:05 – Understanding Polls: Trust and Trends
18:23 – The Impact of Soft Voters
24:57 – Navigating Election Logistics: Final Week Strategies
30:56 – Preparing for Election Night: Personal Reflections

Keywords: election day, democracy, political stories, polling, voter behavior, election logistics, tally room, soft voters, election night