What's influencing young people to vote?

At 26, RMIT student Andrew Buckley has strong political opinions and expectations as a young Australian. He believes in standing up for minority groups and giving them a voice.

As a supporter for equal rights for all, he values political parties that publicly endorse helping bridge the gap between marginalised groups and the rest of the country.

With the 2022 Victorian State elections fast approaching, Andrew is one of the thousands of young people in Victoria who are finding their political voice. 

Young people are more politically aware than ever, and the rise of social media has helped them decide what is politically right and wrong.

"I find out a lot of political information through my social media. Instagram and Twitter are great for quick reads on what's happening," Mr Buckley said.

Apps like TikTok and Instagram give young people the power to influence governmental change through their sharing of posts. The elections allow them to demand more from their government candidates and shift the direction of their future.

The accessibility of social media and political candidate's social media presence is a couple ways young people are influenced on who to vote for in the upcoming election.

The candidate’s policies on issues affects young people to dictate who they will vote for.

Andrew thinks he is influenced by the candidate party’s policies and stances on things he feels passionate about. He needs to know the candidate’s stance on issues such as women’s rights, trans’ rights, and First Nations peoples’ rights before voting.

“Policies that aid minority groups help me make an informed decision. I also like to research how they then influence the state as a whole,” he said. “I’m very anti-conservatist, so left-leaning parties like Labor and the Greens are the parties I research first through their social media accounts.”

The Greens vocal support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart has made them a likely candidate for his vote. 

Policies that are “backwards thinking” have influenced him to develop strong political opinions, he said.

Andrew thinks young people have the ability to make political change if they make an informed decision before voting.

“Knowing exactly what that party stands for and what the party can do to help or disadvantage me is extremely important power to hold as a young person,” he said.