The National Union of Students welcomes Australian Universities encouraging their students to enrol to vote in the upcoming marriage equality postal plebiscite. Since the postal vote was called over 750,800 students have received a notification reminding them to update their enrolment.
NUS recognises that young people, including students, are one of the largest demographics not counted by the AEC. This is a result of regularly changing living circumstances, with students often changing address.
“We won’t let Malcolm Turnbull’s timid leadership get in the way of marriage equality becoming a reality in Australia.” Said NUS President, Sophie Johnston, “The overall majority of young people do support marriage equality, but the challenge will be in ensuring young people are actually enrolled and can vote,”
Between the 8-14th August, the AEC received 16,990 new enrolments and 215,863 enrolment updates.
“The overwhelming figures coming out of the AEC speaks to the power young people hold in this vote and generally across political debates” continued Ms Johnston.
Student organisations have been running #EnrolForEquality stalls and BBQs across this 2 week enrolment period and have successfully enrolled thousands of students across Australian campuses.
Over the coming month, the National Union of Students will be working with We Are Union and other organisations to host ‘YES’ events, music concerts, and marriage equality rallies.
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students
