Independents’ political views and policy preferences reflect the economic and social conditions they see and experience every day. Democrats and Republicans have different sources for their views.
Both the Biden and Trump campaigns will work to mobilize their bases and maximize turnout among their supporters. But those votes alone will probably not be enough to ensure victory.
New surveys carried out by a team of social scientists find no evidence that Democrats, Republicans and independents are more likely to vote because of the Supreme Court’s abortion decision in June.
Since the advent of the two-party preferred system, there have been two examples of parties governing effectively in minority, and with the support of independents.
Notwithstanding COVID, this political term has been framed by extreme events such as the Black Summer bushfires and floods – and it will show at the ballot box.
The treatment of women in Parliament House and Australian society more broadly has been the focus of much attention since the last election – how political leaders respond may decide their fate.
Australians brace themselves for a six-week campaign, with the Coalition starting behind Labor in the polls - but with much that can happen during the campaign.
In 1922-23, Billy Hughes’ Nationalist Party brokered a deal with the Country Party to form government - but only on condition Hughes was no longer prime minister. It’s possible this could play out again.
Election time presents teachers, parents and citizens with an opportunity to put pressure on local candidates and demand courageous policy that will improve education in ways the community needs.
Election data suggests the Coalition’s victory wasn’t so surprising after all – long-term trends pointed toward a Labor loss, given the various factors in play in this election.
Axel Bruns, Queensland University of Technology; Daniel Angus, Queensland University of Technology, and Timothy Graham, Queensland University of Technology
Analysis of tweets from the election campaign reveal two key trends: independents are organising, and embattled Liberal candidates are having to take the fight to their rivals.