The 2019 electoral roll is Australia’s most complete. Ever. A record 96.8 per cent of voting-age Aussies are registered to cast their vote in the upcoming Federal election.
But of those 16,424,248 people, there’s one demographic that looks likely to be key in deciding the outcome: Millennial women.
As well as being one half of the country’s biggest population group, they’re also among the most undecided. Just last week, a Roy Morgan poll indicated that 38 per cent of Australians aged 25-34 years old were yet to make up their mind, and 44 per cent said no party is addressing the issues that matter to them.
With just weeks to go, we asked 97 women in this pivotal group how they will go about deciding who gets their vote on May 18. Will they cast their ballot based on personalities or policy? Are they meticulous researchers, or will they rely on the opinions of friends and family?
These are a selection of their responses.
C, age 22. WA
“Climate change policy has been a big issue for me this election. I have been looking at the major parties’ positions on climate change and other environmental issues. I also use resources such as [ABC’s] Vote Compass and ISideWith to see who aligns to my ideologies.”
A, age 24. NSW
“To be honest, I vote for whoever my partner tells me to, mainly because I don’t know what to do. But I’m happy to do it this way, because we both have the same values in what we want.”
G, age 29. QLD
“Historically, I have taken my political ‘side’ from the views of my parents. However, as I’ve gotten older, I have started to form my own opinions and perspectives. My vote will be based on what policies align with my ethics, personal beliefs and what will be best for my personal situation. As a mother working part-time with a husband on wages, and someone who believes in universal health care and quality education, I think this election is a no brainer.”
H, age 31. WA
“Generally I vote based on the party with the most policies I agree with. I don’t do a lot of research, however; I just base this on what I happen to read on social media or hear on the news.”
D, aged 30. VIC
“I normally vote Libs (they tend to keep us out of debt and I was a lazy voter, so it seemed like the safest option). But other issues which are not done well by Liberals are becoming more important. Climate change is a non-negotiable issue, and asylum seekers are PEOPLE and should be supported – it’s called humanity. These are important issues to me and will play a role in who I vote for.”
R, age 22. NSW
“I am considering voting for an independent party, because I’d like to see more of a difference in attitudes of politicians, which tend to focus on attacking politicians/parties rather than seeking to benefit society as a whole. Since interacting with Mamamia, I have paid much more attention to politics and feel more responsible for my vote. In the past I would normally have chosen Labor simply because I assume most of my like-minded friends/family would have too.”
R, age 22. VIC
“I will decide based on the policy the parties are presenting. I want drastic action on climate change and more funding for education and health. I do not want tax cuts for the higher earning brackets. I will also decide based on past performance… I will not be swayed by election promises that are completely different from parties’ actions in the past. I will not vote for a party with my personal financial interest in mind. I want what is best for the country and its future.”
Top Comments
Nothing disgusts me more than women who say they’re ‘not interested’ in politics. They are womens’ problem. Not only is it completely disrespectful of the women who fought for their right to vote but they are a bad example for my daughters. Almost as bad as the women who ‘retire’ after having children. We need all hands on deck to keep the momentum going. Being politically engaged is absolutely necessary for all women, as is living to your potential to ensure we eventually get more women leaders and the female perspective heard. It’s a pity Kim Kardashian isn’t running, that might get those non-interested types interested.
"Nothing disgusts me more than women who say they’re ‘not interested’ in politics."
Pedophiles
Corrupt politicians
Vegemite
I have always appreciated my right to vote and felt compelled not only to do the research on the parties so I can cast a knowledgable vote but I generally also post something on facebook encouraging people to do the same (to do the research before they vote - not to vote for a particular party).
I do however appreciate how young people (I am approaching 30) feel about the state of elections in this country. Everybody lies to get into office, the person elected doesnt stay a full term and can be changed at the drop of a hat and nobody has policies that reflect everything someone wants in a political party.
My male partner is so fed up with politics so generally relies on me to tell him who to vote for. I will usually tell him who is standing for what and try to get him to make a decision for himself.