Media Release 2007: Don't miss out on Enrol to Vote Week

18 May 2007

Over 1 600 secondary schools will be helping their 17 and 18 year old Australian students to fill in an electoral enrolment form during national Enrol to Vote Week, which takes place from 28 May to 1 June.

The Australian Electoral Commission has already signed up more than two thirds of Australian secondary schools to hold an event or activity to get their students on to the electoral roll during its Enrol to Vote Week initiative.

"By participating in Enrol to Vote Week, schools are actively helping eligible students to exercise their right to vote in the federal election expected later this year," Electoral Commissioner, Ian Campbell said.

"We've had a very positive response from schools so far, but we are urging those schools with senior students which have not registered to do so now, so their students don't miss out.

"We are providing participating schools with ideas, promotional materials, and, of course, plenty of enrolment forms to make their Enrol to Vote Week activity a success.

"Schools provide one of the best opportunities for young people to enrol to vote, particularly 17 year olds who can enrol now so they are ready to vote as soon as they turn 18," Mr Campbell said.

It's not too late for schools to be a part of Enrol to Vote Week, and schools can sign up by visiting the Enrol to Vote Week website www.enroltovoteweek.com.au or by calling 1300 2ENROL (1300 236 765).

Anyone can visit the website to check whether their local schools have signed up, and if they haven't, encourage them to do so now.

Media contact:
Bernadette O'Meara
Assistant Director, Media
Australian Electoral Commission
Ph: (02) 6271 4724

Phil Diak
Director, Media
Australian Electoral Commission
Mobile: 0413 452 539