Right to vote not enjoyed by all

People serving a prison sentence of three or more years are denied the right to vote. The 2009 figures indicate that this is approximately 10 000 people.

Some argue that people who have committed serious offences and are removed from society do not deserve the right to vote. Others argue that it is important that people in prison have the right to vote to ensure they do not become alienated from the community and that taking part in this civic action is actually important in assisting with the rehabilitation and reintroduction of prisoners to society.

Homeless people also face huge difficulties in enrolling to vote, as it can be difficult to prove their identity or place of residence.

Read more about these issues at the Australian Human Rights Commission