Young people mobilise to boost youth enrolments …

YOUNG PEOPLE MOBILISE ACROSS THE STATE TO BOOST YOUTH ENROLMENTS BEFORE THURSDAY DEADLINE

A final push is underway across Tasmania to encourage young people to enrol to vote or to update their details before the electoral roll closes at midnight tomorrow (Thursday). Those not on the electoral roll by then will not be eligible to participate in the proposed postal ballot for marriage equality.

Dozens of volunteers have been pounding the pavement, knocking on doors, spreading the word on social media and even hitting the clubs, often armed with iPads to enrol people on the spot, via the Australian Electoral Commission website.

Sarah Livingston, founder of Queer Youth of Tasmania, said the achievement of marriage equality rested in the hands of Australia’s youth.

“Never before has the youth vote held so much power. It is up to us to make our voices heard and to shape the kind of society we want to live in,” said Ms Livingston.

“”If you’re already enrolled, check that your details are correct. Then check that your friends, your family and anyone else in your life is also enrolled correctly.

Polls have shown that the vast majority of young people support marriage equality, so their votes will be crucial in the outcome of the proposed ballot. But they are also less likely to be enrolled and if they are enrolled, their address details are more likely to be wrong.

“The ‘No Campaign’ is relying on the stereotype that our generation is apathetic and that we won’t know how to use Australia Post.”

“But this is an issue that many young people care deeply about. And seriously, it’s not that hard to post a letter.”

People can enrol or update their details online via the AEC website at http://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/
Rodney Croome, Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group