What is the purpose of a secret (Australian) ballot?

The purpose of a secret (Australian) ballot is to ensure that voters can select among different candidates in private. This system promotes the privacy and confidentiality of voters' choices, allowing them to make decisions free from coercion or undue influence by others. By casting votes in secrecy, individuals are more likely to express their true preferences without fear of judgment or repercussions. This feature is fundamental to the democratic process, as it upholds the integrity and fairness of elections.

In contrast, publicly declaring choices could lead to social pressure or intimidation, which undermines the principle of free expression in voting. Restricting voting to only registered party members would suggest a lack of openness that the secret ballot seeks to counter. Providing a checklist of candidates is a useful tool for voters, but it does not encompass the core principle of voter privacy that the secret ballot aims to safeguard.