We asked 1200 Mamamia readers about the May 3 election. This is what you told us.

The federal election is just weeks away, with Australians heading to the polls on May 3. And let's be honest, most of us are equal parts excited, exhausted and completely over it already.

As campaign promises flood our feeds and leaders crisscross the country, we wanted to find out exactly what you are thinking before you head to the ballot box.

We know our audience well: you're decision-makers who drive outcomes, with eight in 10 Mamamia readers saying you call the shots in your households. You represent a powerful demographic that politicians would be unwise to ignore.

With the electoral countdown ticking louder each day, here's what 1,200 of you revealed about your voting intentions, priorities, and hopes for Australia's next government.

Listen to Peter Dutton on Mamamia's No Filter. Post continues below.

Cost of living is front of mind.

The results couldn't be clearer — economic pressures are overwhelmingly driving your voting decisions in 2025.

There are no surprises here. Your wallets are taking an absolute battering, and you want someone who is going to help. A whopping 69 per cent of you told us cost of living was one of your top five election issues.

Healthcare and hospital funding (60 per cent) and climate action (45 per cent) followed closely. Housing affordability (40 per cent) and action on domestic and family violence (37 per cent) rounded out the top five.

When we asked you to pick just one issue that would determine your vote, the cost of living came out on top again.

And honestly? We get it. We've all been feeling the brunt of soaring rents, climbing grocery prices and wages that are failing to keep up.

Research from charity Good360 Australia revealed one in five Australians have recently skipped buying essential clothing because they simply couldn't afford it. The figures show more than one-third of Australians report the cost-of-living crisis feels worse than it did a year ago, despite inflation officially easing.

Both sides are making promises.

The pollies know we're feeling the pinch. Both major party leaders are desperately trying to convince you they'll ease the pain in your hip pocket.

Labor's banking on its tax cuts, energy bill relief and Medicare investments to win you over. Meanwhile, the Coalition's pitching fuel excise reductions, lower gas bills, and what they're calling responsible economic management.

When Dutton recently joined us on No Filter, he emphasised his plans would deliver "immediate relief" — but then again, doesn't every opposition leader promise that? Albanese made similar claims in his No Filter appearance, highlighting his government's efforts to balance inflation control with targeted support.

Listen to Anthony Albanese on Mamamia's No Filter. Post continues below.

You're engaged, but you're also over it.

Our survey revealed voter feelings are… complicated, heading into this election.

When asked how you're feeling about the upcoming vote, responses were divided: 40 per cent reported feeling excited about having your democratic say, while 32 per cent expressed resignation about the process. The remaining 28 per cent admitted feeling fatigued by endless political promises and spin.

This mixed response reflects a broader truth — while Mamamia readers remain civically engaged, many of you have grown sceptical about politicians' ability to deliver meaningful change on issues that matter to women.

The same responses came up again and again when we asked for your message to whoever forms government after May 3: "Keep your promises and be better."

As one brutally honest respondent put it: "I am tired of political parties trying to lure votes with titbit offers that don't actually progress the country or reduce inequity."

Australian Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese debated Liberal opposition leader Peter Dutton. Image: Getty.

You've already decided (mostly).

The survey reveals most of you aren't waiting for final campaign pitches. 79 per cent of Mamamia readers have already decided who they're voting for.

That still leaves a notable number of people who have yet to make up their mind. With a race as tight as this, it's more important than ever to make sure you have your say.

Three-quarters of respondents are sticking with their 2022 choice. Those who have changed their minds say they're no longer confident in the party they voted for at the last election, want to be better informed or are taking independent candidates more seriously.

But here's where it gets interesting — a significant 21 per cent of you plan to vote for independents. The "teal wave" that shook up parliament in 2022 isn't done yet, especially with voters increasingly looking beyond the major parties.

As for the current government's report card? It's... middling.

• 28 per cent rate Labor's performance as poor to very poor

• 33 per cent say it's been fair

• 33 per cent think they've done well

• And only 7 per cent gave them top marks.

Despite these lukewarm reviews, 58 per cent of you said you believe Labor will secure another term.

This tracks with recent YouGov polling which shows Labor leading the Coalition 52.5 per cent to 47.5 per cent in the two-party-preferred vote.

What does it all mean?

With just weeks until election day, the message from you couldn't be clearer: you want genuine action on cost of living, healthcare, climate change, and issues directly impacting women's safety and economic security.

You're not just voting for yourselves. You're voting for your kids, your communities, and the Australia you want to see. And as our survey shows, when women vote, politicians would be wise to listen.

Because let's face it, in eight out of ten households, it's women making the decisions. And on May 3, we'll be making one of the biggest decisions of all. So, whatever you do, make sure your voice is heard.

Feature image: Mamamia.