New research from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has found that even non-voters believe voting to be an important part of the democratic process, and two-thirds of those surveyed believed voting should be compulsory.
The VEC’s research surveyed a representative sample of non-voters in the 2018 State election, finding that 87 per cent of people who didn’t vote simply weren’t available.
“Reasons underpinning this lack of availability were being overseas (42 per cent), work commitments on the day of the election (18 per cent), and being interstate (16 per cent),” the VEC said.
“Reasons related to a lack of knowledge was the next most common theme for not voting (42 per cent), predominantly not knowing when the election was happening (28 per cent) or not knowing that it was happening at all (22 per cent),” it said.
“Of those unwilling to vote (30 per cent), half did not want to choose any candidates due to lack of familiarity or knowledge of the candidate (15 per cent).”
The VEC said the study was conducted by the Social Research Centre (SRC) on behalf of the Commission and surveyed almost 1,000 people.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said it was reassuring to know that non-voting was not necessarily about a lack of engagement but more a lack of opportunity and awareness.
“Given that this month’s Council elections will all be conducted by post with photos and statements provided by candidates, and that for the time being travelling is restricted, I hope to see this translate into increased participation,” Commissioner Gately said.
The VEC’s 44-page report, Understanding non-voters of the 2018 Victorian State election, can be accessed at this PS News link.
