Democracy sausage: What to know about Australia’s tasty election tradition

Enjoying a sausage – or ‘sag’ as it is known in Aussie slang – after casting your vote has become a beloved Australian election day tradition.

While Canadians elected a minority Liberal government this week, our Commonwealth cousins “Down Under” are heading to the polls in Australia’s general election on Saturday.

The stakes are high for voters, who are expected to focus on the soaring cost of living, the economy, energy and China.

But there is an election day perk for Australians even in a ‘wurst’ case scenario — hot dogs.

In Australia, unlike in Canada, voting is compulsory, according to the Australian Electoral Commission. Enjoying a sausage — or ‘snag’ as it is known in Aussie slang — after casting your vote has become a beloved Australian election day tradition.

The tradition involves casting your vote and buying a “democracy sausage” — simply, a sausage wrapped in a slice of bread, typically topped with ketchup — from a fundraiser stall.

For those Aussies who don’t eat meat, there are vegan sausage options. Some stalls also sell cakes and cookies.

While the term “democracy sausage” only caught on in the last decade, the Museum of Australian Democracy says the tradition dates back to the 1920s, after Australia made voting compulsory in 1924.

Local organizations and non-profits often set up fundraiser stalls near election booths to reach families turning election day into a fun family outing.