Can Facebook save Julia Gillard? News Limited's report today.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Claire Porter, the technology editor for news.com.au published this report at the news website today
THE Australian Electoral Commission has partnered with Facebook as a last-ditch attempt to ramp up the youth vote before the federal election.
Approximately 1.4 million people are missing from the electoral roll, a third of which (half a million) are between the ages of 18-25.
The AEC has launched a new Facebook app called "Youth Votes Matter" which allows people to register to vote or update their details online for the very first time.
Evan Ekin-Smyth, spokesperson for the AEC told news.com.au that the missing youth votes matter because they have the potential to influence the number of seats the parties win.
"A lot of seats in this election are marginal, meaning they could change hands with less than five per cent of the vote," he said.
Therefore apolitical young voters who vote on shallow impressions of politicians like Tony Abbott's budgie smugglers or Julia Gillard's voice have the potential to influence who wins those marginal seats.
What I found absolutely remarkable about the report was the photograph that the News Limited picture editors posted with the story. The caption says it was taking during question time today - maybe it's just me but I can't imagine this photo getting a run if the PM was secure in her position, confident and commanding respect. That said I reckon that photo really has captured some of the essence of Julia Gillard. Love to know your views.