Young Voter Engagement Decline Raises Concerns Ahead of WA Election
The WA Electoral Commission is raising alarms about declining enrolment among young voters ahead of the state election, highlighting the need for increased engagement.
The WA Electoral Commission expresses concern over the significant number of unregistered young voters as the election approaches.
More than 10 per cent of West Australians aged 18 to 30 are currently not enrolled, representing thousands who may miss the chance to participate.
In stark contrast, 99 per cent of individuals over the age of 70 are registered to vote in the upcoming state election on March 8.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including a lack of interest in politics, confusion regarding the enrolment process during relocations, and distrust towards politicians.
University student Carly Newcombe shared her feelings of confusion, stating, "I'm just confused, yeah, just genuinely confused. And probably need to pay a bit more attention."
Financial concerns often overshadow political engagement, as outlined by Ms Newcombe, who noted the daily struggle to manage living costs.
Law student Eliza Carr mentioned that social media campaigns can feel overwhelming, exacerbating feelings about broader global issues.
Conversely, some young people are actively campaigning for issues they hold dear. Ciara Gannon, 20, volunteers with the WA Liberal Party. She stated, "You go doorknocking in the heat, but you're doing it with friends, and you're doing it with people that you believe in."
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ebony Whitney is campaigning for the WA Labor Party, highlighting the need for her peers to value their votes, stating, "Even if people just pay more attention and really think about who they vote for."
WA Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy noted the challenge of reaching young voters, who often change addresses and jobs frequently. He mentioned the increased financial resources spent on social media outreach, as traditional channels fail to connect with this demographic.
Enrolment is compulsory for federal and state elections in WA, with penalties in place for non-compliance, though the focus remains on encouraging participation rather than on punitive measures.
