Election time

It's local Government election time here in NSW, and because we were going to be out of the area on vote day, we were able to cast an early vote. Reasons for being able to vote prior to the election included being a "silent elector" - who knew there was such a thing? This is where someone is not on the public electoral roll because it is deemed dangerous for their identity and address to be known. But, when they do vote, I bet they also have to vote in pencil - the only implement available in the voting booth. I always take a pen with me - and sometimes wonder if my vote is disallowed because it isn't in pencil. Will be interesting to see if we go to pen or electronic voting first.