Helping young people have their say

Having a say in our democracy is a fundamental right, but for many young people experiencing housing instability, the system can feel distant, confusing or out of reach.

Through our partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), St John’s Youth Services is supporting young people to understand their rights, enrol to vote, and feel confident participating in Australia’s democratic processes.

Young people we work with are navigating complex lives. When you’re worried about housing, safety or basic needs, civic participation can understandably fall down the list. This partnership recognises that barriers to participation are not about interest or capability, but access.

Working alongside the AEC through the Indigenous Electoral Participation Program, we are embedding electoral education and support into our everyday work with young people. This includes sharing clear, accessible information about enrolling and voting, supporting young people to check or update their enrolment if they choose, and normalising conversations about civic rights in spaces where young people already feel safe.

Importantly, this work is young-people led and voluntary. Our role is not to tell young people who to vote for, but to ensure they understand their options and know that their voice matters. Democracy works best when everyone can participate, regardless of their circumstances.

The partnership also creates opportunities beyond voting. Young people learn about temporary election work, opening pathways to paid employment, skill building and connection with broader community systems.

By meeting young people where they are, at our services, outreach locations and events, this work supports participation that is practical, respectful and relevant. It recognises young people not just as service users, but as citizens with agency and a stake in the decisions that shape their lives.

Supporting young people to engage with democracy is part of supporting them to belong. Through this partnership with the AEC, we are helping ensure that no one is locked out of participation and every young voice is heard.