Australia has rejected the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum proposal, but the latest data reveals record-breaking enrolment rates across the nation as prospective voters made sure they were heard.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) announced 97.7 per cent of eligible Australians had enrolled to vote, setting a new benchmark for democratic participation.

State and Territory enrolment

In a comprehensive breakdown of the data, New South Wales (NSW) led the charge with 5,588,248 electors on the certified list, representing 99 per cent enrolment rate. Victoria (VIC) closely followed with 4,468,879 electors and a robust 98.3 per cent enrolment rate. Queensland (QLD) boasts 3,632,451 electors and a solid 96.6 per cent enrolment rate.

Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA) have enrolment rates of 95.4 per cent and 97.1 per cent, respectively, showcasing strong civic participation. Meanwhile, Tasmania (TAS) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) demonstrated impressive enrolment rates of 97.3 per cent and 98 per cent, emphasising the enthusiasm of voters.

Notably, the Northern Territory (NT) registered the lowest enrolment rate at 91.7 per cent.

 

 

National perspective

The national figures underscore Australians commitment to democracy. A total of 17,676,347 Australians are currently enrolled to vote, a figure that represents 97.7 per cent of the estimated eligible population, setting a new record.

Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said: “With many nations around the world campaigning to get even three quarters of their population enrolled to vote, this result is a continuing source of Australian democratic pride.”

Variety in age groups

The data further highlighted the diversity of enrolled voters across different age groups. Young adults aged 20-24 and 25-29 actively participated, with enrolment rates of 7.4 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively. The 70+ age group, with 17.4 per cent of the total enrolment, highlighted the presence of older generations in the electoral process.

“The youth enrolment rate has also increased to 91.4 per cent which means approximately 1.8 million 18-24 year olds are ready to vote and have their say in their first referendum,” Commissioner Rogers noted before polls closed today. “Well done Australia.”

 

Main image by Central News.