13 June 2008

The Australian Electoral Commission today announced that national Enrol to Vote Week will be taking place in secondary schools across Australia from 28 July to 3 August this year.

Electoral Commissioner Ian Campbell said that last year’s Enrol to Vote Week was successful in contributing to young Australians being correctly enrolled at the close of rolls for the 2007 federal election.

“Enrol to Vote Week received strong support from secondary schools last year and we are looking forward to their assistance again this year,” Mr Campbell said.

“This year we are reminding students that being enrolled to vote is an ongoing right and responsibility. Between federal elections there are state and local government elections and young people who delay enrolling may miss out on having their say.

“Currently one in four 18 year olds are not enrolled to vote, and many 17 year olds are not aware that they can enrol now so they are able to vote as soon as they turn 18.”

More than 1750 secondary schools and colleges from around the country participated last year and the Australian Electoral Commission is hoping to register all the schools who held an Enrol to Vote Week last year, plus others.

“Schools will be soon receiving invitations to participate in Enrol to Vote Week and we encourage them to register to be involved as soon as possible,” said Mr Campbell.

People can search to see if their local school is participating, or schools can register to participate on the Enrol to Vote Week website, enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au.

To find out more visit enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26 (press 2 when prompted).

Contact:
Bernadette O’Meara
Phone: 02 6271 4724
Mobile: 0413 452 530