A NEW voting tool launched in WA this week, with founders hoping to build a politically informed electorate ahead of an election where young people will make up the majority of voters nationwide. 

Similar to the ABC’s Vote Compass, Build a Ballot was created by Lizzie Hedding and Tegan Lerm, and is designed to generate a personalised ballot based on a survey to determine the user’s values and policy interests.

The Chook’s journalist sat down with co-founder Lizzie Hedding after the WA launch of the Build a Ballot in Fremantle this week. 

Ms Hedding says the “ideal voter” that Build a Ballot was designed for are people who “care but feel totally cut out” of Australia’s democratic process which can often lead to political disengagement.

Informed

“The whole goal of this tool is to be an entry point where people can start to get more engaged, they can learn more and make an informed vote,” she said. 

“We know these voters are really likely to switch off, they’re likely to just vote how their parents voted, and we really want to encourage this generation to pay attention.

“These are the voters that are going to be shaping the country for years and decades to come, so it’s not just about this election, it’s about how we create a more politically informed and engaged electorate, so that more people are making more informed decisions.”

Ms Hedding says she “completely understands” cynicism around federal governance and politics and the idea that “nothing gets better” with a vote, which is why political engagement is so important. 

“If you drive on roads, if you go to schools, if you go to the doctor, you’re using resources and institutions that are based on, and funded by, the government, so what government does really affects our lives,” Ms Hedding said. 

“The reality is, there are differences between parties and candidates, and it’s important that people understand what those differences are to advocate for the kind of future that we want to see for our country.

“Ultimately, government shapes our lives in significant ways, and therefore it’s important that we’re mindful of what we’re actually voting for when we get the chance to.”

Since the crowdfunded tool was launched on Wednesday evening, Build a Ballot had been used by over 17,000 people at time of the Chook’s publication. 

“We’ve been so overwhelmed with the response… I think it just shows that there is such a desire for a tool like this,” Ms Hedding said. 

“I think young people get written off as not caring about politics and policy, but I think what his shows is that voters really do care, and they really want to make informed choices. 

“The tool is really designed for people to feel like this is a safe space, it’s all good if you don’t understand anything, we’re here to help you get informed.” 

The Build a Ballot tool is available to use online at www.buildaballot.org.au.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER