In an era fraught with misinformation and social media spin, it’s easy to become disappointed and disengaged from democracy. But make no mistake, succumbing to federal election fatigue is a mistake we can’t afford to make.
If you’re feeling disillusioned heading into the 2025 federal election, you’re not alone – and you’re not wrong to feel that way. Between performative politics, relentless spin, and a system that often feels rigged to serve the status quo, it’s no wonder so many Australians are tuning out. But hopping off the exhausting campaign cycle isn’t the only alternative to buying in. In fact, your disillusionment might be the very thing that makes you politically powerful.
We know that Gen Z and Millennial voters will form the largest voting block at the polls this election, and the shake-up happening as a result of this is well underway.
Together, Gen Z and Millennials are proving that the two-party system only holds currency if we consent to it. By refusing to vote out of blind loyalty, we’re demanding the major parties earn our support – and showing them that if they don’t, we’ll find alternatives who will.
It’s an exciting shift, but it can also feel daunting if you’re a young or undecided voter. So, how can you turn disillusionment into genuine influence? Here are a few empowering steps and resources to get your head back into the political game and vote with a voice this federal election.
Vote With Your Values & Know Your Preferences
Don’t let anyone tell you your vote won’t count, because we all know there’s no such thing as a wasted vote. Use Australia’s preferential system as it was intended to be used, by ranking candidates in your true order of preference. If you love what a minor party or independent stands for, put them number one – you’re sending a strong message, and your vote will still flow to your next choice if it comes to that. Still need convincing? We’ve got a quick guide to understanding our voting system, here.
Tip: Tools like Build A Ballot and Vote Compass can help you map out your preferences in advance and see how your vote will travel.
Look Beyond The Headlines
In our era of partisan media, getting balanced info is crucial to making your vote count this federal election. Seek out non-partisan voter guides and policy explainers. The ABC’s election site, for instance, often breaks down each party’s platform minus the spin.
Independent outlets run by young Australians – like Cheek Media, Zee Feed, Kaleidoscope News, and Missing Perspectives – are great for succinct explainers that centre facts over party talking points. Dig into what candidates stand for (and check their track records!). Knowledge is power here.
Get Talking IRL
It might be tempting to avoid political talk to keep the peace, but some of the most influential campaigning happens in our living rooms, group chats and workplaces.
Share what you’ve learned with your friends, your parents, and your colleagues. Have those tough conversations. As we’ve learned, a thoughtful chat over coffee can change a perspective far more effectively than a Facebook rant.
You don’t have to be an expert – just speak from your experience and listen to others. It all helps chip away at the cynicism and misinformation out there.
Stay Involved Beyond Voting Day
Democracy isn’t just a once-every-three-years kind of deal. If you’re feeling energised (or infuriated) by an issue, channel it into how you vote this federal election – and beyond.
Volunteer for a campaign that inspires you, join a local advocacy group or attend a town hall meeting. Even a few hours of handing out flyers for an independent candidate or phone banking for a cause can make a difference , and you’ll meet like-minded people and feel the impact you can have. As Lizzie Hedding from the youth-led initiative Build A Ballot reminds us, if thousands of us each give just a little time, that collective effort is huge.
Related articles:
- Everything You Need To Know About The Upcoming Federal Election
- How Gen Z & Millennial Voters Are Disrupting Australian Politics
- A Guide To Australia’s Preferential Voting System
