What’s the deal with democracy sausages? Find out where to get yours!

Election day in Australia brings more than just political decisions to the table—there’s also the age-old debate over the best democracy sausage.

While voters line up at polling booths, they're not just thinking about policies; they’re wondering where to find the perfect snag.

From classic condiments to quirky alternatives, it's a national tradition that’s become a symbol of unity—and a bit of fun along the way.


As Australians prepared to cast their votes, many found themselves facing a dilemma: where could they find the best democracy sausage?

While democracies worldwide grappled with challenges, Aussie voters remained lighthearted about the process.

Polling booths, after all, were a chance to support local community groups while enjoying a snag with white bread, onions, and a generous dollop of tomato sauce.


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Aussies unite over democracy sausages at polling booths. Image source: AAP


Some, however, ventured into the controversial realm of mustard, barbecue sauce, or—dare we say it—plain.

In 2013, Annette Tyler helped found the Democracy Sausage website, and it soon became a go-to for voters seeking the best sausage locations.

Now, over 900 spots appeared on the site, showing Aussies exactly where to find a tasty snag on election day.

'The one thing that brings everyone together is the democracy sausage,' she shared.


The website, still run by the original group, expanded its offerings over the years.

Now, it features cupcakes, vegetarian options, bacon and eggs, coffee, and halal food. A new column also highlighted wheelchair-accessible locations.

As the federal election approached, over 900 submissions flooded in to be listed on the site.

Although the team didn’t own the ‘democracy sausage’ slogan and had never sought to profit from it, they did offer merchandise.

This was sold at a price to cover production costs.


This election cycle saw a unique addition: Masterfoods launched its own democracy sauce.

'That’s an independent thing. They did let us know about it,' Annette said.

'But our principle is generally to stay non-partisan and to avoid commercial entanglements.'

Politicians had long been the subject of jokes over their sausage-eating mishaps.

One infamous image of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton munching on a Dagwood dog at the 2022 Ekka became a social media classic.


Source: Youtube/Sky News Australia



Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also faced his moment in the spotlight when his aides tried to shield him with his jacket while he ate his snag.

The photographers, however, got the shot.

But according to Annette, no one would ever top Bill Shorten's sausage-eating performance.

'Nothing is ever going to eclipse Bill Shorten, right? That’s an all-time classic,' she said.

'I feel like after that, they’ve all been trained in eating democracy sausages.'


Source: Youtube/triplem



Want to dive deeper into the story behind Australia’s favourite election snack? Check out this explainer video for all the juicy details. Watch it now!


Source: Youtube/Behind the News​


Key Takeaways
  • Election day in Australia is about more than politics; it's about finding the perfect democracy sausage.
  • The Democracy Sausage website, founded in 2013, lists over 900 locations for voters to enjoy a snag.
  • The site expanded to offer diverse food options and highlighted wheelchair-accessible locations.
  • Politicians, including Bill Shorten, have become famous for their sausage-eating blunders.

As election day approaches, the democracy sausage continues to unite Aussies in the most delicious way.

With so many great sausage spots to choose from, which one do you think serves the best democracy sausage? Share your thoughts in the comments!
 

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