Mackay early voters share their thoughts on the Voice referendum

From the worst “waste of money” to the “most important” decision in a lifetime- opinions at this regional Queensland voting centre were as colourful as the city’s history.

As early voting centres popped up across the country, the first to cast their ballot in this historic referendum have shared their thoughts on the Voice.

Early voters in regional Queensland cast their ballots for the Voice referendum and have shared their thoughts on how this historic moment could affect Australia.

People gathered for early voting at the Mackay Showgrounds on Thursday, where volunteers for the Yes and No campaigns waited with flyers.

The Voice garnered support and opposition from Mackay residents, who briefly shared how they voted and why.

Angie Voltz

Angie Voltz said she was voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’ve voted No, simply because of the amount of Indigenous people that are actually against this as well,” Ms Voltz said.

“And with what I’ve seen with the arguments they’ve put up, they know what they’re talking about.

“So I’m listening to them, and that’s what I’m doing.

John Marshall

John Marshall said he was voting yes on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m voting Yes, because I worked with the Aboriginal people for probably 20 years,” Mr Marshall said.

“And I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t have a Voice.

“Meaning it’s not that they can change things, but they make recommendations to the government.”

Lindsay Hetherington

Lindsay Hetherington said he was voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m voting No today because I feel it’s going to make it more racial than what we already are,” Mr Hetherington said.

Walter and Joyce Skubij

Joyce and Walter Skubij said they were voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m not happy with this going into the referendum, I think it’s a waste of my time and money,” Ms Skubij said.

“It’s not going to benefit the Aborigines in any way and we voted No.

“I’ve been in this district nearly 40 years and I find that this referendum is probably the biggest waste of time since I’ve been here.”

Donald Boettches

Donald Boettches said he was voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m a volunteer for the No campaign and I’ve been here the last few days,” Mr Boettches said.

“I think this is a very important referendum, the most important decision we’ll make in our lives.

“It’ll have a long term consequence whether it be Yes or No and it’s up to people to decide whatever way they want to go.

“Lots of arguments on both sides.”

John Helenius

John Helenius said he was voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m voting in the Dawson electorate and I’m voting No, because I think we’re one nation,” Mr Helenius said.

“And there’s no us and them, we’re all just one people.”

Joan Bezzina

Joan Bezzina said she was voting yes on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“I’m voting Yes because I feel it’s the right thing to do,” Ms Bezzina said.

“I think it’s time that we all did the right thing in our country and that’s what I believe in.”

Max Luckerbauer

“I’ve voted No. I do think that Aboriginals are already in the constitution because they are Australian citizens,” Mr Luckerbauer said.

Max Luckerbauer said he was voting no on the Voice referendum. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Originally published as Mackay early voters share their thoughts on the Voice referendum