Record number of youths ready to vote

A record number of youths are enrolled to vote in the May Federal election. 192813_01

By Danielle Kutchel

The enrolment period for the electoral roll has officially closed and the Australian Electoral Commission has labelled it the “best electoral roll in history”, with youth enrolment rates in particular at record highs.

The youth enrolment rate is now at its highest level ever, with around 88.8 per cent of eligible 18-24 year olds enrolled.

“There were around 70,000 18-24 year-olds among the additions to the roll during the close of rolls week,” said electoral commissioner Tom Rogers

“Enrolment for this youth cohort at 88.8% is now even higher than it was for the marriage postal survey when it was 88.6%.”

Over 400,000 18-19 year olds are enrolled to vote in their first federal election this May.

A record 16,424,248 Australians have enrolled to vote this year, with the national enrolment rate now at 96.8 per cent.