Where “Democracy Sausage” Comes From
A democracy sausage is a barbecued sausage in a slice of bread, usually with onions and sauce, sold at polling places on election day to raise funds for schools and community groups. It became a symbol of Australian elections, where voting is compulsory.
The Australian National Dictionary Centre named “democracy sausage” its Word of the Year for 2016.
“I got a democracy sausage after I voted.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it on election day and in political news.
In Real Life
On election day, many Australians look for the polling place with the best sausage sizzle. Schools, scouts and local clubs use it to raise money, and websites even map where to find one. Variations include vegetarian options and cakes. The sausage has become a friendly symbol of the country’s voting culture, and political leaders are often photographed eating one.
Quick Questions
Is the democracy sausage official?
No. It’s a fundraiser run by local groups, not by the electoral commission.
When did the term become popular?
Around the 2016 federal election, when it was named Word of the Year.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: dih-MOK-ruh-see SOS-ij.
In conversation:
- Did you get a democracy sausage?
- The school’s democracy sausage had a huge line.
- I voted just for the sausage.
Good to know: Voting is compulsory in Australia. The sausage sizzle is a fundraiser, not an official part of the election, and some polling places also sell cakes.
See also: Sausage Sizzle, Snag, Sanger
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