ARM Media Statement - 15 September 1999

Young republicans urge Australian youth to enrol to vote in referendum

The Australian Republican Movement today welcomed the comments by young republicans urging young people to enrol to vote and to lodge a postal or pre-poll vote if they are working or travelling on November 6.

Ryan Heath, convenor of Young Australians for a Republic, today said young people had until October 4 to make sure they are on the electoral roll at the correct address.

He also encouraged eligible voters to lodge an application for a pre-poll or postal vote if they knew they would be unable to make it to a polling booth on November 6.

"Just about more than any other vote in our lifetime, this is a vote for young Australians about our future, and about the type of country we want to live in," said Mr Heath.

"Pre-polling and postal vote applications open from Monday September 20, so if you know you are going to be away or you have to work, make sure you ring the Australian Electoral Office in your State so you can organise for you to have your say," said Mr Heath.

"A Yes vote will just not happen unless every young Australian who is entitled to vote lodges a vote," said Mr Heath.

Voters 18 years and over are entitled to a postal or pre-poll vote if they are travelling and cannot get to a polling booth, are sick or about to give birth, are caring for the sick, working on polling day or unable to vote because of religious beliefs.

On polling day, voting booths will be open from 8am to 6pm, the same as in a Federal election. The Australian Electoral Commission will notify the public closer to the referendum day of where the polling stations are in each Federal electorate.

The Australian Electoral Commission web site at http://www.aec.gov.au has information about voting as well as pre-poll and postal voting application forms.

Information about the referendum is also available by calling the Yes information line on 1 800 80 2000.

Authorised by Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Republican Movement, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000