17 September 2003

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker, today on Citizenship Day reminded all new Australian Citizens that they should now enrol to vote.

“There are many Citizenship ceremonies taking place around Australia today at which electoral officials will be present to explain the electoral process”, Mr Becker said.

“Every new Australian citizen has the right and responsibility to enrol and vote. The AEC is committed to encouraging all eligible Australians to take the electoral plunge”.

“Enrol to vote in Local, State and Federal Government Elections,” he said.

This year the Australian Electoral Commission has joined with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs in a campaign to encourage eligible Australians to become Citizens.

The campaign encourages all Australians to appreciate the important role of Australian Citizenship as the unifying force in our community and invites residentially eligible people to become Australian citizens.

Acknowledging the importance of the Citizenship campaign, Mr Becker said, “it also serves as a timely reminder that while the right to vote is a highly regarded entitlement, it is also a compulsory responsibility for anyone who is an Australian citizen, 18 years or older.”

Electoral enrolment forms can be obtained from any Post Office, AEC office, State/Territory Electoral Office or from the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au/enrolment.

“It’s easy to enrol – just fill in the form, remember to have your signature witnessed, and post it back (reply paid envelopes are provided at our Post Office stands), he said.

For further information on enrolling to vote, whether you are a new Australian citizen, have turned 18 since the last election or have not enrolled yet, visit www.aec.gov.au/enrolment or call 13 23 26.

Further Information:

Ms Gabrielle Reid
Public Affairs Officer
Australian Electoral Commission
Ph: 02 6271 4700