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Did you know young people are some of the least likely to vote in elections?  

Are you new to voting and have voted once, twice (or never) in a Victorian election before? 

Are you 18 – 25 years old and keen to share your experiences of electoral participation?  

The opportunity

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is committed to supporting young people to understand their rights and responsibilities to vote. They want to hear from young people who are new to voting (have voted only once or twice) or have never voted, about what might engage you in voting at the next Victorian elections. This will directly shape the VEC’s education and engagement activities leading up to future elections.  

Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is hosting a focus group with young people to hear their views on voting in Victoria and the ways young people access information about enrolling and voting in elections.  

Submit your expression of interest

What does it involve? 

YACVic will run one online workshop with approximately 15 young people (aged 18-25) with a diverse range of identities and backgrounds.   

You will attend a focus group discussion to draw on your lived experience, unique perspectives and expertise, providing input on discussion points such as: 

  • What kind of education have you received about enrolling and voting in elections?  

  • Where do you get your information about who to vote for, how to vote, where your preferences go and other electoral information?  

  • How do you know you can trust the information you find?  

  • What can the VEC do to empower you to vote at the next election? 

The consultation will be held on Zoom, on: 

  • Thursday 19 June from 5-7pm  

Safety and Support  

The workshop will be run by YACVic’s Participation & Development team with Young Peer Facilitators leading the conversation, and on hand to support your participation. 

YACVic is a child safe organisation. By taking part in our opportunities, you agree to join us in our commitment to child safety. 

About you

You are a young person aged 18 – 25 living in Victoria who is eligible to vote and has either not voted yet or has voted in a Victorian election at least one time.  

We want to hear from you if you have received one or more ‘apparent failure to vote’ notices. 

We want to hear from you if you’ve voted in the past but don’t think you’ll vote again.  

What will you get out of this opportunity?  

You will have the opportunity to learn about government agency decision-making and contribute to that process with your ideas and insights. 

During the workshop you may use and develop self-advocacy, listening, empathy, discussion and presentation skills.

This is a voluntary opportunity. 

You will be offered a $100 volunteer payment for your participation in the focus group – you can choose for this to be paid by direct bank transfer (which usually takes 2-3 weeks) or by electronic gift card (which you’ll usually receive within 3 working days). 

Application process

To apply for this opportunity, please enter your details on this expression of interest form by Tuesday 10 June at 10am.  

Alternatively, please email Finn at FStirling@YACVic.org.au with your written or video responses to the following questions: 

  • Your full name 

  • Your age 

  • Your gender 

  • Your email address 

  • Your mobile phone number 

  • Where you live: metro Melbourne/regional Vic/Rural Vic 

  • How many times have you voted in a Victorian election? 0/1/2/not sure

  • Why are you keen to be a part of this conversation? Why is this topic important to you? (eg: personal interest, friends/family history) 

  • Do you have any access needs or requirements? A list of common access needs can be found at the bottom of this call out.  

  • The following questions are optional and help us to learn a bit more about you: 

  • What languages do you speak at home? 

  • How would you describe your race? 

We will select participants based on creating a diverse group with mixed lived experience. 

Accessibility and Inclusion 

At YACVic, we take access and inclusion seriously. We are committed to making every event as accessible and inclusive as possible for all members of our community. If you have a specific access request, would like further information or want to provide any suggestions, we would love to hear from you. 

You can email or call us with your access and/or support requirements. 

Our work takes place through the lands of the Aboriginal nations within Victoria, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.  

Contact Us 

For any additional questions, concerns or support please contact Sam Champion, Participation and Development Manager, 0438 072 200 | SChampion@YACVic.org.au.  

Privacy & confidentiality  

Your information will be used in accordance with the YACVic privacy policy which you can read on our website.  

Your information will be used to help us select a diverse and representative group. Your information will be stored in a password protected location that will only be accessible to YACVic staff.