With a state election on March 23 and a federal election in the coming months, students Lewis Kranitis and Faith Elliott know they need to get educated on the issues that matter to them.
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Lewis recently turned 18 and on Saturday will head to the ballot box for the first time while Faith will be eligible to vote in the federal election expected to be called in May.
Both openly admit that politics is not something they care or think much about but as their 18th birthday passes they both say it is important to know which politicians and political party align with their views.
"Politics is not something I was ever really interested in but as my friends and I start to turn 18 it is something we have kind of started to talk about at school," Lewis said.
"For me I guess I have strong beliefs on issues and that is where I need to start reading up on which political party would believe the same things I do.
"Climate change and the environment are two big issues that concern me and I think I will be looking for candidates who are focused on sustainability.
"I also think I will be looking at some of the lesser spoken about policies of the political parties to really find out what they stand for."
Faith said she believes schools and the wider community could be doing more to help students understand the need and importance of voting.
"I have never really been interested in politics but I think if I knew more about it that would help," Faith said.
"I think students should have better access to information about voting. Right now I don't even know how to enrol to vote and I am sure there are lots of young people thinking the same.
"I know every vote counts but it is hard for us to find credible information about what we need to do and about what the political parties support."
Lewis said he thinks it's important that young people take the job of voting seriously because the politicians that get elected will be making decision that will affect them.
"Young people are the next generation of workers and leaders and it is important for us to have a say in who is running the country," he said.
"I think young people need to take voting seriously and educate them on the issues that matter to them.
"Personally I read articles and listen to the radio to get a good sense of what politicians think. I also read news articles I find on Facebook but I always try to find sources which are reliable."
Faith said she thinks the biggest issues young people are concerned about is closing festivals and the environment.
"I think the potential of musical festivals is a big issues for young people and the conversation around pill testing is another big issue.
"I think there is also a big push among young people to push for a more environmentally friendly world.
"When we walk into a voting booth we are voting for our future and the more educated we are the better but I guess that goes for everyone as well.
"As I get closer to turning 18 I am definitely going to have to learn more about politics."
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