The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, today urged young people to ensure they are enrolled to vote as part of the Australian Electoral Commission’s national Enrol to Vote Week.(28 July –3 August 2008).
This year's event highlights the importance of enrolment outside of federal election years, reminding young people that there are state, territory, local government and by-elections, for which they need to be ready.
"Voting is the cornerstone of Australia’s democratic system and young people who become eligible to vote for the first time need to be able to have their say at the ballot box, just like everyone else," Ms Ellis said.
"Enrol to Vote Week aims to make young people aware of their voting responsibilities and rights, and to remind young people of the importance and benefits of ensuring their name is registered on the electoral roll".
Ms Ellis said she was concerned that young people were underrepresented on the electoral roll with only three in four people aged 18 years enrolled to vote.
"Last week I launched the United Nations Youth Association of Australia report YouthSpeak: A Conversation for the Future, which captures the views, ideas and opinions of more than 13,000 young people from towns and communities throughout Australia," she said.
The YouthSpeak report shows that young people do want their voices to be heard on a broad range of issues that impact on them and the wider Australian community. Increasing the percentage of young Australians who are enrolled to vote is an important step to take in ensuring their voices are heard.
The issue of civics, citizenship and electoral participation was also raised at the Australia 2020 Youth Summit as one of the top 10 issues important to Summit participants.
"Vote for a Better Vote: Our Democracy Depends on it was also a major theme explored by young delegates at the summit as part of the Australia Governance discussion group" Ms Ellis said.
"As the Minister for Youth I strongly encourage young people to participate in events held in their schools as part of National Enrol to Vote Week—this will ensure that at election time they are eligible to exercise their democratic right".
For more information visit www.enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au