The Australian government changed the electoral act in April so that when an election is called, those eligible to vote for the first time will only have less than a day to enroll before the rolls are closed.
Previously, the law allowed between two and three weeks for young people to claim this basic democratic right. It is hard to see what good effect the new provisions are intended to have. However, this law would seem to be a very effective way of reducing the participation of first time voters, of which there may be a thousand or more in Boroondara.
Parents, teachers, youth-workers and others in our community will have a useful role to play in getting this message to the young people of Boroondara.
The most important action now for those turning 18 this year is to enroll to vote right now before an election is called. This will ensure young voters are not locked out of the democratic process.
Post offices have the enrollment forms, or you can get them from the Australian Electoral Commission website. There is also now the requirement for proof of identity and a statutory declaration. The effort is worth it though so you can have your say in the future direction for Australia.
Links
- Enrolling to vote, Australian Electoral Commission
- Use this link to check your voter enrollment status online
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