Did you know that one in five people under 21 are not enrolled to vote? We didn’t!

The 2016 Federal Election has been called, which means you only have until 8pm on Monday 23 May to enrol or update your enrolment details.

This means if you are turning 18, are a new citizen, or moved home recently, you only have a few days to correct your details before the deadline. Even if you voted in the NSW state election last year, your name may still not be on the federal roll. As Australia has compulsory voting, not voting may leave you subject to fines and penalties.

Over 350,000 young people are missing from the roll, which leaves us with less of a voice and diminishes our political power compared to older age groups. Don’t let other people decide who’ll be governing you for the next three years – and who’ll be dealing with issues like housing affordability, climate change, refugees, higher education, penalty rates, and funding for the arts and community radio.

Young people have the power to decide the July 2 election.

Enrol now here.

Backchat spoke to the AEC’s Phil Diak, who urged young people to enrol and check their enrolment online, using the AEC’s enrolment check.

Photo Credit: AEC