Could shy Yes supporters swing Voice vote?

The existence of shy Trump voters was one reason given for pollsters failing to pick the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election.

That there were voters who wouldn’t even admit to pollsters that they supported Trump, for fear of a backlash.

I’ve started wondering about the possible existence of shy Yes voters in the Voice referendum.  And whether, in its growing excitement, the No campaign might miss them.

These may be the musings of a still hopeful Yes supporter, but I have never witnessed a period in Australian politics where cultural conservatives have felt so free to express their true views.

There are no ongoing negative impacts of colonisation. Great events don’t have welcomes to country. And, if they do, you should boo.

Having failed thus far in their campaign to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate someone because of their race or ethnicity, some on the right are taking the opportunity to tell us what they really think in the lead-up to the referendum.

And it’s making a lot of people feel uncomfortable, perhaps intimidated. But, votes aren’t counted in decibels. And a silent majority can sometimes surprise.

What if the No campaign is becoming what the right criticises the left for? Hubristic and over-confident in both its righteousness and appeal to the masses.

If shy Yes supporters are being created as a result, I hope there are lots of them and that they find their voice on referendum day.

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