Democracy ambassadors help community voices ‘Be Heard’

October 11 2022

Electoral Commissioner, Warwick Gately AM

More communities can take advantage of election information sessions as a result of the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) expanding its Be Heard Democracy Ambassador program for the November State election.

‘Democracy ambassadors are ready to travel all over Victoria to engage under-represented communities on the basics of enrolling and voting – to ensure they have their say at the 2022 Victorian State election,’ Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said.

Democracy ambassadors have been recruited from communities who are typically less well represented in the electoral process:

culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

people experiencing homelessness

people with disabilities

young, potentially first-time voters.

Session delivery can take place face-to-face or online and, between them, the democracy ambassadors speak over 30 languages. The VEC aims to reach more than 8,000 members of the community through these outreach sessions.

‘Participants in our Be Heard Democracy Ambassador sessions are given a safe space to learn about enrolling and voting,’ Mr Gately said. ‘They are supported by interpreters, translated information, and Easy English resources to take home.’

Communities are encouraged to book a Be Heard voter education session and can do so via the VEC website.