Friday, 09 July 2010 16:25
Page MP Janelle Saffin MP says the Nationals and Liberals have blocked moves to help more young people exercise their right to vote in the next Federal election.
Ms Saffin said there are an estimated 1.4 million people missing from the electoral rolls, and 70 per cent of these are young people.
"The Liberals and Nationals voted against the Australian Government's legislation that would have given people one week after an election is called, to enrol to vote.
"The seven day close of rolls period is an important safeguard to make sure eligible voters have time to enrol.
"Under the Howard Government, this safeguard was abolished, leaving tens of thousands of young people without a vote at the 2007 Federal election.
"And now the Nationals and Liberals have blocked the Government's legislation to reintroduce the seven day period.
"Australians can enrol to vote as soon as they turn 18, but in reality many don't think about voting until there is an election campaign.
"Because of the actions of the Nationals and Liberals, when the Federal election is called this year new voters will only have until the end of that day to enrol (or the next business day if the election is called on a weekend).
"I challenge Nationals candidate Kevin Hogan to tell young people why he stopping more young people from voting.
"And I urge all eligible voters to make sure they are on the electoral roll so they can exercise their democratic right to vote on Election Day.
"If young Australians wait, they could lose their opportunity to vote, thanks to the Kevin Hogan's Federal colleagues in the National Party and the Liberals," Ms Saffin said.
Pics from The Nationals website and The Daily Examiner - Hogan on the left & Saffin on the right
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