By Danielle Kutchel
It’s officially on for young and old.
After months of speculation, Prime Minister Scott Morrison finally called a Federal election last week, announcing that Australians will be heading to the polls on May 18.
But of course, you can only exercise your democratic right – and score that democracy sausage – if you are registered on the electoral roll.
It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to enrol and vote.
And as more families choose the south-eastern corridor as their home, it’s possible that in the hustle and bustle of moving some have forgotten to enrol or update their details.
A spokesperson for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said that while a record 96.2 per cent of eligible Australians are currently enrolled, the figure could be improved.
“All Australian citizens aged 18 years and older are required by law to enrol and vote in the 18 May federal election,” the spokesperson said.
“Australians must also update their address details on the electoral roll if they’ve moved or changed their name.
“If they’re not sure of their current status, they can check online via the AEC website or call the AEC on 13 23 26 – either way, it takes only a matter of minutes to sort out.
“Australians unable to go online can pick up a paper enrolment form at any AEC office or Australia Post outlet, however, correctly completed applications must be returned to the AEC by the 8pm 18 April deadline.
“Seventeen-year-old Australians turning eighteen years of age on or before 18 May 2019 should also enrol and vote in the federal election,” the spokesperson added.
Residents must enrol to vote in the upcoming election by 8pm on Thursday 18 April.
