In Australia it is compulsory to vote at state and federal elections, well more precisely it is compulsory to turn up, have your name crossed off and receive the voting papers. Never-the-less most people, having got that far, do end up voting.

As a person approaches the age of 18 they must enroll to vote and the Australian Electoral Commission has a longitudinal study underway to look at why Australia’s young people do or do not enrol and vote, their attitudes to the enrolment and voting process, and what motivates them to participate. It is being conducted on behalf of the AEC by the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University.

Although the study has a long way to go there are some preliminary findings that are of interest.

the link between turning 18 years of age and being able to vote is not exciting

It is interesting cultural phenonemon that everything must be perceived to be exciting these days but, given that, it is hard to imagine how you could make this exciting. It think we need to give up on this one.

young people’s intention to vote at 18 years of age is 83% for males, and 90% for females

Even though more girls intend to vote than boys the actual take up rates are almost identical. Sort of points to more forward thinking on behalf of girls at that age than actual intent.

82% believe it is important to vote

A positive sign in itself.

You can read the full report here.