Vote

The right to vote is an important part of our democracy. By completing a ballot paper during an election, you are choosing a person to represent you in the Parliament. Through them you have a say on laws and decisions of the government, which will impact your everyday life.

Participate and elect

Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility, and is a task that we should take seriously. Voting in Australia has real power, and many elections have been decided by a handful of votes. If we don’t seriously consider who we vote for, or if we decide to throw away our vote by voting informally (marking our ballot paper incorrectly), then we’re throwing away our opportunity to speak up and choose a candidate who speaks on our behalf in Parliament. Voting is important, and these activities will walk you through what you may want to consider as you vote in either elections at your school or in a Local, State, or Federal election.

Write an election speech

During an election period, candidates will speak to the media, participate in debates, and speak directly to people within their electorate about the issues they (and their party) stand for. The goal of an election speech is to persuade electors to vote for that candidate. This is your opportunity to craft a speech that explains to your classmates why your chosen issue is important and why they should vote for you.

Now is the time to have a go at writing your own speech! Before you do this, firstly think about a slogan that you wish to use as a part of your speech. Here are some examples of slogans that have been previously used in election campaigns. See if you can identify which slogans are from the Australian Labor Party and which from the Liberal Party.

"It’s time for change"

Australian Labor Party

Liberal Party

"It’s time for ......"

Australian Labor Party

Liberal Party

Your turn!

Use the template below to help you craft your speech. Remember to utilise persuasive language, and never underestimate the power of confident voice, body language, and eye contact.

Step 1: Introduce: the party and the issue

Introduce: the party and the issue

Step 2: Explain: the issue and why is it important

Explain: the issue and why is it important

Step 3: Outline: your actions and reflect on the result

First action

Second action

Third action

Step 4: Conclude: why should the voters vote for you

Conclude: why should the voters vote for you

Question 0 of 4 answered

Candidate creator

In Australia, electors (citizens who are 18 years old and over) are required to vote. Through voting they choose their representative, a person who will represent their views in a government. What kind of person would you vote for?

When casting a vote, electors should consider carefully what kind of person they are choosing to represent their views. There are many ways to engage with your candidate, you can speak to them directly, read about them or their party policies online or ask them questions through social media. Choose the qualities you believe your candidate should have. Once done, you can share it with your classmates or discuss it with family or friends.

Gender

FemaleMaleNon binary

Age

20s 30s 40s 50s 60s

Appearance

Wears a suitIs fit and healthyDresses wellNot importantIs good looking

Skills

Can talk to business peopleCan make tough decisions regardless of the consequencesCan talk to young peopleCan skateboardGood at public speaking

Knows a lot about

Popular cultureGlobal politicsEnvironmental issuesEconomicsHow local council works

Work experience

Owns a businessTeacherHas a part-time jobLawyerIs a member of a political party

Personal qualities MUST HAVE...

Personal qualities IMPORTANT, BUT NOT CRUCIAL…

Run an election

Running and organising an election with your class and in a school is a fun way of ensuring everyone has a say. Running and participating in an election is an opportunity for you to participate in a decision making process. Here is simple guide on how to run an election.

Election Resources

All of the resources that you need to run an election are contained in this word document. In order to run an election you will also need a voting screen and a ballot box. And don't forget to let your voters know the date of your election.

Enrol to vote

You can enrol to vote in Victorian local council and state elections online, if you are 17 years of age or older. In Australia it is compulsory to enrol, once you are enrolled you must vote otherwise you will receive a fine.

Why vote?

Participating in an electoral process is an important obligation of every citizen. By casting a vote, a young person ensures that issues affecting young people are placed on the agenda of their elected representatives. Voting is like an interview process, in which an elector has the power of hiring or firing.

Activity Instructions

By completing these questions, you will reflect about what you have learnt about democracy and voting. There is no right or wrong answer.

Question 1. How much do decisions made by the goverment affect your everyday life?

Not at all

Very little

Somewhat

A lot

Question 2. When you are 18, do you intend to enrol and vote?

Yes

Question 3. Voting is important because:

It is one way of having a say on issues

It is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy

Everyone’s vote counts

People decide the future of their communities

I disagree with the statement.

Question 0 of 3 answered

Teachers

Lessons - Decide
Lessons - Research
Lessons - Activate
Lessons - Vote
VCAL

Students

Decide
Research
Activate
Vote

Young Voters

About

Booking Form
Blog
Evaluation Form

Postal Address:

Passport to Democracy

The Victorian Electoral Commission

Level 11, 530 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Victoria

Email:

education@vec.vic.gov.au

Authorised by W. Gately AM,
Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria