This free event is for 16 to 25 year olds who are curious about voting + want to make sure their vote counts. This is a special event for members of the Youth Action network.

Once you turn 16 in Australia, you can enrol to vote. If you are 18+, you are eligible to vote in elections. In fact, state and federal laws require people 18+ to enrol to vote plus keep your details on the electoral roll correct and up-to-date. Ok, you are enrolled on the Australian Electoral Commission website and know you can vote at the next election… Now what?

Imagine election day is here and you are walking into a polling booth for the first time. Or maybe its your second election... Many people are handing you ‘how to vote’ cards. Soon it will be your turn in a booth. How will you choose between candidates? What does a ballot paper look like? How do you make your sure vote counts? Will you vote like other people in your family?

Democracy Matters a non-partisan social enterprise is running short information sessions for new voters, including those who have voted once or twice before. This free 60 minute zoom session is relaxed, will answer your questions and help you be better prepared. In the next 24 months, many voters will be facing local, state and federal elections - that's heaps!

We don’t tell you who to vote for, rather we offer a space that is free of political parties, to help you build the following skills:

Finding out who your candidates are + what they think about the issues most important to you.
Locating reliable information + legitimate news stories to help you think through your choices.
Communicating with candidates before + after an election - to give positive feedback or raise your concerns about issues.
Applying for paid work at an election or volunteering for a candidate or party.

Youth Action + Democracy Matters: Together we can make democracy grow between elections.