MEDIA RELEASE – 14 October 2011 Labor Candidate for Hobart City Council

Hobart City Council voters will today receive a SMS reminding them to vote in the local government elections, as ballots go out across Tasmania this week.

Local Labor Candidate for Hobart City Council, Simon Monk, today said he would be sending out an SMS to voters in Hobart with a registered mobile phone number to ensure as many people vote in the next two weeks as possible.

“This is about using modern technology to engage with voters and, importantly, reminding people to have a say in what our local council should look like.

This will also complement the optional service provided by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, VoteAlert, which reminds people who register when they need to vote.

Only 51.6 per cent of electors returned their ballots last Hobart City election, nearly four per cent below the state average.

“I don’t want residents to be denied their right to vote because they don’t know the process in this election.

“Sending residents a text reminder will let them know they can vote if they have been out of the state, if their ballot has been sent to the wrong address or if they just don’t know an election is on.

“It will also assist young people voting for the first time who might not be fully across how local council voting works or who might not regularly check their snail mailbox.

“The use of modern technology and new media is critical for engaging with the community and with young people.

“Just 37 per cent of under-30s vote in council elections, showing a lack of interest and engagement with local politics.

“Most of the community have never had any interaction with their local Aldermen, have never been consulted on the direction for our city and don’t know how to have their voice heard.

“People rarely communicate by mail and the text I have sent today is recognition of the new ways people interact.”

With the average age of Hobart City Councillors currently 57 there is a real need for more diversity and acceptance of new ideas.

“I have the vision to make Council more connected and in touch with our local and suburban communities.

“That’s what my campaign is all about – standing up for the places in this city that people actually live.

“I want all people to have a stake in their city and a voice on their council,” said Mr Monk.

“I hope that by sending a text to Hobart City Council voters, it will give them an opportunity to have their say and elect a young person who will put the interests of the entire Hobart community first.”

TXT: Hobart Council needs a new voice. My name is Simon Monk and I want to bring young blood to Council. With your number 1 vote, we can work together to invest in the services and infrastructure Hobart and our suburbs need, support businesses to bring back street-side events to enliven our communities and oppose unjustified rake hikes. PS Don’t forget to vote. Find out more at www.monkforhobart.com Authorised by Duncan Kerr, 49 Davey Street.
Simon Monk Labor candidate for HCC