National Enrol to Vote Week begins
The Australian Electoral Commission’s national Enrol to Vote Week officially begins tomorrow in schools all around the country.
More than 1650 secondary schools are registered to participate in Enrol to Vote Week, which will run from 28 July to 3 August 2008.
Enrol to Vote Week aims to get eligible young people on the electoral roll and ready to vote in federal, state or territory and local government elections.
Electoral Commissioner Ian Campbell said the Australian Electoral Commission is pleased to have the support of so many schools around Australia.
“Elections can happen at any time so it is important for young people to know that they need to enrol and be prepared to vote,” Mr Campbell said.
“We’ve just had a federal by-election and there are elections at all levels of government happening across Australia in the next 12 months so we are urging young people to enrol to vote during Enrol To Vote Week.”
The Australian Electoral Commission is supporting Enrol To Vote Week by providing enrolment forms, educational resources, promotional materials and other information to schools and on the Enrol to Vote Week website.
“Only three in four 18 year olds are enrolled to vote and we are hoping that Enrol To Vote Week will help boost the number of young people enrolled,” said Mr Campbell.
“Enrol To Vote Week targets 17 year olds too, who can enrol now so that they are ready to vote when they turn 18.
“This Week also reminds all Australians that they must update their enrolment details every time they move to ensure they are able to vote,” Mr Campbell said.
To see if your local school is participating, or to find out more about Enrol to Vote Week activities, visit the website enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26.
All Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to enrol and vote.
Contact:
Phil Diak
Director, Media
Australian Electoral Commission
02 6271 4415 (bus hours)
0413 452 539 (after hours)
