Democracy sausage: Huge question ahead of Election Day

A controversial groundswell of support is forming for this one controversial way of layering this Aussie BBQ favourite, which has snag purists disturbed.

As Australians prepare to cast their ballots and sausage sizzles fire up nationwide, a bigger debate could overshadow the election – do onions go over or under the democracy sausage?

Surprisingly, one in three Aussies have voted in favour of a new sausage sizzle policy: onions first, sausage second, according to new research from Australian Onions.

Before voters head to the polling booth, those lucky Melburnians among us will be given a chance to vote with their tastebuds first at a free sausage sizzle hosted at a location that is to be announced.

In the meantime – some democracy sausage experts have weighed in on where the delicious flavour and the sweet aroma of caramelised onions fits in – layered on top or soaking into the bread beneath.

Biggest debate on election day, do your onions go over or under? Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Alex Dawson, from DemocracySausage.org, helps to run Australia’s go-to site for tracking down local sausage sizzles on election day.

As an official snag expert, Mr Dawson has revealed where he stands in the debate.

“Australia’s democracy is powered by barbecues and the great onions debate transcends party lines,” he told NewsWire.

“Everyone has their own views, but I have to admit, I’m partial to onions underneath – they build a flavourful foundation and leave room for more sauce.

“Let’s see how it sits with the millions of Aussies who will cast their vote on election day”.

Mr Dawson said the democracy sausage is “practically part of the constitution!”

“People associate ideas and memories with sights and sounds, and there’s no better sight than seeing Aussie voters helping community groups while smelling delicious sausages and onions on a BBQ,” he said.

Locals enjoy a sausage and bread.

The Democracysausage.org website had more than 2 million visitors in the 2022 election, and are already showing similar numbers this pre-election as voters flock to booths which have a sizzle nearby.

Whether over, or under, Mr Dawson said onions are a major part of the equation to a good sausage sizzle.

“A sausage sizzle without onions would be un-Australian – the smell of the onions cooking and caramelising adds to the atmosphere and the taste in a way that just adding sauces can’t.”

TV Presenter, Recipe Developer, and Food Writer Jane de Graff agreed that onions are “one hundred per cent” needed.

“Onions have a transformative power that really creates layers of flavour,” she told NewsWire.

“You might think of the sausage first, or even argue over the type of bread … But a BBQ isn’t a BBQ until those onions hit the grill and that fragrance gets your mouth watering.

“If you could bottle that smell, it would be marketed as ‘eau de barbecue’ and we’d all love it.”

Celebrity chef Jane de Graff says onions are a key part of a good sausage sizzle sandwich, whether over or under.

Ms de Graff said that although food can be controversial, she is all about being “no Judgement” when it comes to how other people enjoy their meals.

“There’s no right or wrong,” she began.

“Food is how we express our individuality, our tastes, and how we connect with others. The great Democracy Sausage debate – onions over or under – has its pros and cons on both sides, but that’s what makes it so much fun.

Ms de Graff said no one should be judged for their food choices, as that is people express themselves.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes your bite more delicious!

Despite the debate, Ms de Graff said “there is no question that it’s (the democracy sausage) an iconic part of Aussie culture.”

“I’ve tried to explain it to friends from overseas, but they’re mostly a bit puzzled about it,” she said.

‘It’s pretty interesting to have such a specific food ritual tied to voting like we do.

“But the democracy sausage is more than just a snack – it’s a tradition that brings people together and it perfectly captures the Aussie spirit: community, connection, and a great feed while having your say.”