The Australian Electoral Commission recently estimated that around 950,000 eligible Australians were not currently enrolled to vote, including half of all 18-year-olds.

That’s a large percentage of the adult population who will have given up their chance to have a say in who will lead the country over the next three years.  

There are many reasons why Australians should register the vote and having done so, take the trouble to cast a valid vote on election day. 

Many people may not vote, or may deliberately cast an invalid vote, because they feel that none of the candidates reflect their views or represent their interests.   “They’re all the same,” non-voters might say.  “Nothing will change no matter who gets in.” 

Voting in an election does not guarantee that you will get the representative that you want. 

 But by not voting, you’re giving up your opportunity to help get the representation you do want. 

The right to vote is  among the most fundamental of all human rights and liberties.    It is among the rights which are most highly prized by newcomers to this country who become Australian citizens, many of whom may have been deprived of or refused the right to vote in their former homelands. 

Democracy works best when everyone participates.   

If you have not enrolled to vote for the federal election, you still have time to enrol for the council elections in September and the next state election.

And if you are enrolled to vote, take time to familiarise yourself with the policies of candidates in both houses and make an informed decision.