25 January 2008

On Australia Day 2008 the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will be there to assist thousands of new Australian citizens to enrol to vote and take part in Australia’s democracy.

As new citizens attend citizenship ceremonies across the country, AEC staff will be distributing enrolment forms and providing assistance and information on enrolling to vote.

“Voting is an integral part of our democracy and AEC staff find new Australians welcome the opportunity to enrol to vote and participate,” said Electoral Commissioner Ian Campbell.

“Last year nearly 9,000 new citizens enrolled to vote at Australia Day citizenship ceremonies around the country and in 2008 we are at the ceremonies again to encourage as many enrolments as we can.

Mr Campbell said citizenship ceremonies are an opportune time for all eligible Australians to remember to enrol to vote or to make sure their enrolment is up-to-date.

“It is important to understand that enrolment does not happen automatically as a result of becoming an Australian citizen. It is compulsory that all Australian citizens aged 18 years and older enrol to vote, as you cannot vote in Australian elections unless you are enrolled.

“By completing one form and enrolling to vote you’ll be registered to vote in Australian federal, State and local government elections,” said Mr Campbell.

To enrol to vote or update your details you must fill out an enrolment form available at any Australia Post outlet, AEC office, selected Medicare and Australian Taxation offices or from the AEC website. The AEC website also has information translated into 29 languages and telephone numbers for the telephone interpreter service.

To check your enrolment or find out more information call the AEC on 13 23 26 or visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au

For further information:
Phil Diak
Director, Media Section
02 6271 4415
0413 452 539

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Phil Diak, Media Director AEC
Telephone Grab Hotline: 1300 732 445, Menu 1, Option 2