More than 5000 voters in the Shepparton district between the ages of 18 to 24 are taking part in this year’s state election, according to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
The 18 to 24 age group is the most significant cohort across the state participating in the election, with 510,113 young people going to the ballot box.
First-time voter and Moooropna resident Rowan Farren said he had given the upcoming election some thought.
“I have had a decent think about it, and I have had a deep think about the priorities of whom I will vote for,” Mr Farren said.
The former captain at Greater Shepparton Secondary College said youth voters were normally forgotten about regarding policy.
He said he thought Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed connected well with young people, after sitting in meetings with her as part of this year’s youth assembly.
“I have been very privileged to sit in meetings with Suzanna Sheed discussing issues regarding youth problems such as the increase of the youth allowance, and housing,” he said.
“I was happy that one of Suzanna's election pledges is to bring a youth council on board, which is helpful for young people like me to engage in politics.”
He said his friendship group had had in-depth discussions about politics and believed his friends were politically aware.
Mr Farren said he was on the centre of the political spectrum and wanted a future representative who was picked on merit, not just popularity.
He said the influence of social media, including the impact of far-right and far-left commentators, may have a jarring effect on his fellow young voters.
“Young people can be easily influenced due to social media, and I think there could be a breakdown in civil and political discussion in the future,” Mr Farren said.
“I think this type of divided discussion is also exacerbated with the older generations.
“Hopefully, people can come together and help out for a better future.”
Victorian Youth Congress member Tom Saxton said young people had grown up during a time of uncertainty and were more aware of their leaders.
He said this was a good thing when it was time to vote.
“Young people are becoming more concerned about the issues that are affecting them, such as roads and housing; this is super important, because the youth vote does have an impact across each seat in some way,” Mr Saxton said.
Mr Saxton expects the diverse cultures in the seat will help to shape the vote.
“The seat of Shepparton, to my understanding, has so much diversity in terms of young people voting, which is great because this will be reflected in the vote for the right candidate,” he said.
“To all youth voters, take voting seriously because it is really important after what has happened in Shepparton in the last few years.”