More Victorians are to take advantage of election information sessions this year with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) expanding its program Be Heard Democracy Ambassador.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said the VEC had recruited democracy ambassadors from communities who were typically less well represented in the electoral process, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; people experiencing homelessness; people with disabilities; and young, potentially first-time voters.
“Democracy ambassadors are ready to travel all over Victoria to engage under-represented communities on the basis of enrolling and voting – to ensure they have their say at the 2022 Victorian State election,” Mr Gately said.
“Participants in our Be Heard Democracy Ambassador sessions are given a safe space to learn about enrolling and voting,” he said.
“They are supported by interpreters, translated information, and Easy English resources to take home.”
Mr Gately said session delivery could take place face-to-face or online and, between them, the democracy ambassadors spoke over 30 languages.
He said the VEC was aiming to reach more than 8,000 members of the community through these outreach sessions.
Further information on the VEC’s Be Heard Democracy Ambassador program can be accessed at this PS News link.
