Bikinis, Sausages... Australia’s Unusual Election Traditions!

In Australia, elections are not just about casting a vote—they are celebrated like a grand festival. At the heart of this electoral celebration lies a unique cultural icon known as the Democracy Sausage. Much like iconic Australian staples such as koalas, Vegemite, and Tim Tams, the Democracy Sausage has become an integral part of the nation's culture. On election day, stalls set up outside polling stations across the country sell this symbolic snack.

What Is a 'Democracy Sausage'?

A Democracy Sausage is a grilled sausage placed in a slice of white bread, topped with chopped onions and tomato ketchup. While it might be an ordinary sausage on any other day, when enjoyed at a polling station on election day, it transforms into a Democracy Sausage. It has evolved into a national emblem symbolizing participation in the democratic process.

Remarkably, these sausages are not only available across Australia but are also offered at polling stations set up in Australian embassies around the world, including in New York, Riyadh, Nairobi, and Tokyo. Even research bases in Antarctica have joined in this culinary tradition. The availability of these sausages at different locations can be tracked on the website democracysausage.org. A representative from the site jokingly remarked, “It has almost become a part of the Australian Constitution.”

Voting in Swimwear: A Growing Trend

The Australian Constitution does not mandate any specific dress code for voting. As a result, voting in swimwear has become a quirky tradition, particularly prevalent in beachside areas. The trend gained popularity when the swimwear brand Budgy Smuggler announced that the first 200 voters who showed up in their branded swimwear would receive free swim trunks.

Voter Nick Fabri commented, “It may seem a bit awkward, but many people come straight from the ocean to cast their vote. I think this is a great reflection of Australian democracy.”

A Tourist Attraction in Itself

Foreign tourists and international students are also drawn to polling stations on election day just to experience the Democracy Sausage. Locals say it represents a unique facet of Australian culture and serves as a memorable takeaway for visitors. Moreover, aspiring political leaders often eat these sausages in public to show humility and connection with everyday citizens.

Photographs of politicians eating Democracy Sausages frequently become memes and are now a staple in Australian political folklore. The Australian National Dictionary Centre even declared “Democracy Sausage” as the Word of the Year.