Media Release 2007: Enrol to Vote Week launches nationally

27 May 2007

Thousands of school students around Australia will begin enrolling to vote this week during the Australian Electoral Commission's (AEC) first national Enrol to Vote Week starting tomorrow, 28 May.

Over the coming school week, more than 1 700 secondary schools will be actively encouraging their 17 and 18 year old Australian students to fill in an enrolment form to get on to the roll, boosting the low enrolment figures of that age group.

"This is the first national Enrol to Vote Week the AEC has held and we are delighted with the response from schools," Electoral Commissioner Ian Campbell said.

"Our experience and research shows schools provide one of the best opportunities for young people to exercise their responsibility and enrol to vote. The enthusiasm of schools' principals and teachers for working in partnership with the AEC on this initiative will ensure its success.

"Enrol to Vote week has also received support from Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools of Australia, Australian Secondary Principals' Association and the Independent Schools Council of Australia.

"Enrol to Vote Week is shaping up to be very successful and the AEC looks forward to receiving the students' enrolment forms.

"We've been encouraging young people to enrol earlier this year through initiatives such as Rock Enrol and promotions during university orientation weeks. In addition to these activities, our advertising campaign is also beginning this week," said Mr Campbell.

The Australian Electoral Commission is supporting Enrol To Vote week by providing enrolment forms, educational resources, promotional materials, e-newsletters and other information on the Enrol to Vote Week website www.enroltovoteweek.com.au

You can see if your local school has signed up to be a part of Enrol to Vote Week by visiting the website www.enroltovoteweek.com.au.

More information:

Phil Diak
Director, Media and Communication Strategy
Australian Electoral Commission
Ph. (02) 6271 4415
Mobile: 0413 452 539