King Island fires up Democracy Sausage

King Island will join the national Democracy Sausage tradition for this federal election, with local councillor Rowan Cooke manning the barbecue to bring the community together.

Profits from the sausage sizzle will support the King Island Club, which offers a key space for locals to connect. “Politics can be a difficult topic - it stirs up strong emotions,” Cr Cooke said. “But putting a sausage in someone’s hand can change the mood. It gives people permission to talk more freely and have a laugh while they vote.”

Cooke said the King Island Club plays an important role on the island, and the fundraiser would highlight its value. “All the donations will help with maintenance, but it’s really about keeping that space alive as somewhere people can hang out and feel part of something.”

The event is listed on the official Democracy Sausage website, which tracks polling day barbecues and bake sales across Australia. While it started in Western Australia in 2013 as a community-led tool, it now helps thousands of voters locate local sausage sizzles - with some stalls raising over $3000.

This Saturday, about 7000 polling booths will open across the country, with roughly a quarter expected to serve up democracy sausages, baked goods or coffee.

Early voting is unlikely to dent the appetite for a snag, with organisers confident the classic election-day fundraiser still brings people out - and together.