This is a transcript of the interactive AEC 25th Anniversary slideshow.

• The AEC's 25 years serving the Australian community

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• Australian electoral history in action

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  Having a say has always been something we Australians pride ourselves on.

  

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  From becoming a nation in 1901...

  

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  to protecting our national interests during times of conflict...

  

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  and enfranchising all Australians...

  

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  voting has always played an important role in developing our national identity.

  

• Voting any way you can

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  Despite some hitches...

  

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  people the world over value their opportunity to participate in democracy...

  

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  and won't let anything stand in their way.

  

• International assistance

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  The AEC has not only played a crucial role within Australia, we have reached out across the globe to help others elect their chosen representatives.

  

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  While some of us might take the right to vote for granted, millions of others do not.

  

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  The AEC has helped parliamentary democracies build their election management capacities, including involvement in the BRIDGE project (BRIDGE stands for Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections).

  

• Educating the future

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  Another key role for us at the AEC is electoral education.

  

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  We are mindful our children represent Australia's future...

  

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  and to ensure a bright one, we have created specific electoral education programs and activities.

  

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  School visits are made by AEC staff, and interactive electoral education materials provided,

  

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  and people from all parts of Australia visit our Electoral Education Centre in Canberra.

  

• Australian voting in action

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  Every day, the AEC works towards ensuring Australia has an up-to-date electoral roll, an impartial electoral system and a society informed about electoral rights and responsibilities.

  

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  Whether in our cities...

  

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  or deep in the Australian outback...

  

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  where sometimes distance can be a challenge that's fun to overcome...

  

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  the AEC is there to help you...

  

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  during Australia's federal elections, and between elections with our range of electoral services.

  

• The future

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  Whilst it's important to acknowledge the many achievements of the AEC, this anniversary comes at a time when proposals for change to the electoral system are generating widespread interest and debate.

  

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  Looking ahead, the major focus for us at the AEC is to continue delivering highly professional electoral services that meet the evolving needs of the Australian people.