In 1998 writer David Malouf delivered a profound reflection on Australian democracy as part of the ABC Boyer Lectures. He spoke of the country’s “citizenship, lightly but seriously assumed” and described election day as a ritual suffused with neighbourliness and calm; a defence against political extremism. 

As Australians head to the polls today, David Malouf reflects on the distinctiveness of the nation’s democratic model, his changing views on compulsory voting and whether that same “spirit of holiday” still hovers over the ballot box.