From civics to cringe: The real issue with engaging young voters
Watching political candidates in campaign mode over the last week or so has highlighted the importance of knowing your audience and meeting them where they are.
This Aussie federal election will see more Gen Z and Millennial voters than Baby Boomers for the first time. The guard is changing.
We’ve seen cringeworthy antics from some leaders trying to schmooze younger voters. What they don’t seem to be grasping is that, for many first-time electors, casting your vote can be a confusing process.
Data shows school students aren’t learning the basics of democracy. Last year we recorded our worst ever result for year 6 and 10 students in “civics” – a subject that includes how the three tiers of government work.
Collectively, we’ve become complacent. Over time, educating future voters about our system of government has slipped quietly down the priority list.
At the same time, it’s harder than ever to equip people with the information they need before a federal election – like why they get two ballot papers and who are these strange names on the list? How do they vote for Albo or Dutton?
Back in the day, there were limited communication channels. There were downsides to that, for sure, but it did mean agencies like the Australian Electoral Commission could reach voters relatively easily.
These days with a gazillion ways to communicate, it’s difficult to cut through.
Our candidates need to think about their audience – like we all do when we want to convey a message. Their information needs to be as much about how to vote as who to vote for
With an estimated 700,000 first-time voters this election, it will be fascinating to see how it pans out.
Listen to my take on this issue:
2GB overnight: https://www.2gb.com/podcast/election-result-could-rest-on-reaching-gen-z-voters/
5AA Adelaide (from about 20.20):https://fiveaa.com.au/podcast/afternoons-with-stacey-lee/5ece2bf5-3816-43f4-aed1-0a79279f245c/2025-04-01/afternoons-with-stacey-lee-1-april-2025
