Why do you need to vote? Is it important?

Thanks for your question Lessio. Yes, voting is important!

Australian citizens aged 18 years or older have the right and responsibility to enrol and vote in federal elections. These elections decide who will represent us in the Australian Parliament. Our elected representatives have the power to decide what the laws will be in Australia. So, by voting, you can elect someone you think will make the best laws on your behalf.

Voting also helps to hold members of parliament accountable. If citizens don’t think that their representatives are doing a good job, they can vote them out and elect others who they think might do better.

Voting has been compulsory in Australia since 1924, when Parliament passed the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1924. Compulsory voting helps to ensures that the Parliament represents a wide range of people, not just those who are most vocal or engaged.