As young people head to vote for the first time, some say that the brushstroke approach to drugs and festivals will be a major factor when they decide who to vote for.

University students Maddy Uren, Bree Hurst and Paige Skinner say the perceived lack of consultation between closing festivals and drugs would be enough to turn away young voters - even if it isn't happening in Port Macquarie.

"It seems that the government and the media are just jumping on the drugs at music festivals as if it is a new thing," Maddy said.

"Young people dying from drugs isn't a new thing and if the government was serious about stopping young people from dying they wouldn't just cancel music festivals. They would actually sit down with young people and find a way forward.

"From our point of view it looks like they just want to take away something that young people like and aren't really keen to fix the overall problem."

Education is the key, according to Paige.

"I think that instead of trying to eradicate drugs from festivals by making it cost prohibitive to operate they need to find ways to educate young people and bring them into the conversation," Paige said.

"Young people take risks but they can take educated risks if people allow them to. At the moment it feels like an us and them situation and young people are being overlooked in the conversation."

Politicians need to start listening, says Bree.

"I watch the news and I see the premier announcing a new stadium in Sydney when really that money could be used to help educate young people on the dangers of drugs or build another hospital," Bree said.

"To me it seems she is totally misunderstanding what people want or need."

READ MORE: First time voters shift focus to big election issues

Another major issue facing young people is mental health and the lack of known resources available to help said Ellie Tiegler and Claire McElevery.

"Mental health is another big issue facing young people and unfortunately I think unless you know someone who is struggling with their mental health it is hard to understand or know about it," Ellie said.

"We don't really get told a lot about it at school other than being told to talk to someone.

"Anxiety and depression are big issues and there is still a lot of stigma attached to talking about mental health."

For Claire, mental health and providing support and help to those who are struggling is a priority.

"Of all the issues out there I think mental health is probably one of the biggest issues facing young people because there are a lot of people out there really suffering," Claire said.

All agreed the nature of the current election campaign does not lean towards targeting younger voters when in fact they are some of the most undecided heading to election day.

"Lots of young people don't really know much about politics and are disinterested but then again most politicians aren't trying to engage us," Paige said.

Maddy said politicians need to start asking young people questions and including them in political discussion.

"Our vote counts just as much as other people but generally candidates don't talk to us or campaign to us," Maddy said.

"I use social media a lot to form my political opinions and other young people are joining together to get informed on the issues.

"I think most young people will be waiting until the very last minute to decide who to vote for."

The Port Macquarie News surveyed readers about issues affecting their vote at the state election on March 23. Find out about the big issues in the Port Macquarie electorate now:

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