Oh it's a thing. My mum worked for AEC on the day and said lots of people in her area brought pens with them. I handed out HTV cards on the day and saw a few people come up to the no campaign people to ask them if their votes were legal because they did it in pencil.

[–] abhibeckert@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

To be fair, there's nothing wrong with bringing your own pen (or a pencil).

Their reasons might be stupid but there are enough good reasons and lots of people carry a pen or pencil with them everywhere they go anyway.

Those pencils the AEC provides are not free, they do wear out, and they do need to be cleaned/sanitised continuously throughout the day which is definitely not free. Tens of thousands of people were paid a lot of money to clean those pencils. Bringing your own reduces staffing costs for the AEC.

[–] Gorgritch_umie_killa@aussie.zone 1 points 1 year ago

Imagine if this turns into some weird low level fashion flex. Like people start bringing along some fancy fountain pen, or a freakin quill!