Photo © AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

1.4 million Australians are missing from the electoral roll. 70% are thought to be under 25.

The GetUp 2010 campaign covers both online and on-the-ground enrolment drives to make sure voters enrol before the election is called. It is hoped the approach will follow the success of US President Barack Obama’s 2008 ‘get out the vote’ campaign.  

Recently they held “Camp GetUp” in Canberra, described as “a replica of Camp Obama in the US”,  by Simon Sheikh, National Director of GetUp. The camp trained about 40 key volunteers including students, public servants and retirees in doorknocking and campaigning to inspire voting and first-time enrolment.

At the last election, GetUp had an enrolment drive with 8000 volunteers. This time they’re hoping to get 10,000.

Sam McLean, GetUp Communications Director , says one of the best ways to get young people on the roll is to tell them they’ll be fined if they don’t . He also says most don’t realise just how urgent it is: “The day that Julia Gillard calls the election, people only have until 8pm that night to get on the roll.”

You can practise voting in today's web poll! Look for the 'Have Your Say' box on the right.

Join Get Up's campaign here.