Wesley Waiyani (18) of Cloverdale.  Wesley attends the Belmont City College and will be voting for the first time in the upcoming Federal Election.
Camera IconWesley Waiyani (18) of Cloverdale. Wesley attends the Belmont City College and will be voting for the first time in the upcoming Federal Election. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Eager first-time voter

Staff ReporterSouthern Gazette

The 18-year-old Belmont City College student from Papua New Guinea said he was nervous about the idea of voting because he had never done it before, but did think everyone should do it.

‘I think voting should be compulsory so that everyone gets to have a say and that all voices are heard on the issues,’ Wesley said. ‘I think voting at 18 is OK because you are old enough to make decisions.

‘I do not want to get involved in politics, but I am aware of some political issues.’

Wesley said he hoped to study science or electronics at university after graduating from high school.

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An estimated 1.22 million people did not enrol to vote in this year’s election, with those aged 18 to 25 making up the biggest ‘proportionate missing demographic’.

Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn said the growth in youth enrolment (ages 18-24) of 25,000 since the 2010 federal election was positive; however, about 400,000 had still failed to enrol.