The term "donkey vote" is often used in Australia to refer to an informal vote, where the voter numbers the ballot paper in a particular order, such as from top to bottom. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "don" is pronounced as [dɒn], similar to the word "on", while the second syllable "key" is pronounced as [ki], sounding like the word "key". The stress is on the first syllable in this two-syllable word.
Donkey vote is a term used in politics to describe an intentional or unintentional vote cast by a voter without any careful consideration or preference for the candidates or issues being voted upon. It is a form of protest vote or a strategy to express apathy towards the electoral process. The term is mainly used in countries with compulsory voting, where citizens are obliged to vote but may choose to cast a donkey vote instead of abstaining.
In a donkey vote, the voter typically selects candidates or options on the ballot paper in a sequential or haphazard manner, without any regard for their political ideology or policies. The term "donkey vote" is derived from the concept of a donkey, which is stereotypically portrayed as following a predetermined path without any conscious decision-making.
Donkey voting can have various motivations. Some voters might be dissatisfied with the political system or feel disconnected from the candidates, leading them to cast a random vote as an act of protest. Others may lack sufficient knowledge or interest in politics, or intentionally spoil their vote as an act of defiance against compulsory voting laws.
While donkey votes have no influence on the outcome of an election, they might be counted as formal or informal votes depending on the regulations of each electoral system. Nonetheless, donkey voting serves as a symbol of apathy or discontent towards the electoral process and can be seen as a means for citizens to express their frustration or disengagement with politics.
The term "donkey vote" originated in Australia and has been in use since the early 20th century. Its etymology is derived from the behavior of donkeys, known for their stubbornness and tendency to follow a leader without much thought or understanding. In the electoral context, a "donkey vote" refers to the act of randomly numbering the candidates on a ballot paper without any real knowledge or preference for their policies or qualities. This mimics the idea of a donkey blindly following the order of candidates on the ballot without considering their merits.