The amount of young people not enrolled to vote could change the outcome of the same-sex marriage postal plebiscite.
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For this reason, a Hunter LGBTQI advocate is urging young people to enrol and have their voices heard.
The Australia Electoral Commission estimated that as of June 30, 810,904 citizens were not enrolled to vote.
What is more alarming still is that nearly 300,000 of those people were aged 18 to 24, making them the largest age bracket of people currently not enrolled.
It may also mean that those who are not enrolled have the potential to change the entire outcome of the $122 million postal plebiscite scheme.
“I really think that young people, as a generalisation, are more likely to vote yes,” Hunter LGBTQI advocate and proud gay man Tahan Ellicott said.
“The amount of young people who did not vote in the last election could have changed the outcome altogether.
“I really hope we don’t see that happen again.
“It is terrifying that something as important and as personal as who I marry can be decided on by just the people who choose not to vote.
“If that happens that would be really hurtful and degrading.
“The idea that we have to vote is unorthodox in itself, but the opportunity has presented itself so I see it as a necessary evil.
Ellicott also encouraged those who were enrolled but may have recently moved, to update their address so they don’t miss out on having their say.
You can check where you are enrolled at check.aec.gov.au
Australians have until Thursday, August 24 to enrol.