Get #AusVotes2019 election information through Twitter

With #AusVotes2019 entering the home stretch, today we’re launching a special election edition Twitter Direct Message (DM) experience to bring voters all the vital information they need before hitting the polls on May 18.

You can get involved by simply heading to @TwitterAU, clicking on the DM button, and our #AusVotes2019 chatbot can help with all of the following:

• Where can I vote? — People can input their post code in discover their polling locations
• Who are my candidates? — Discover all the essential information from the AEC about candidates before making your final decision
• Checked your sources? — Ensure the information you’re receiving is accurate and credible by familiarising yourself with the @AusElectoralCom resources
• Found your #DemocracySausage? — Partnering with @DemSausage on Election Day, we’ll activate this special feature so you’ll be able to use the chatbot to find your local polling location offering a sausage sizzle and cake stall

The chatbot comes as new Twitter research shows a quarter of Australian Twitter users are not decided on who has their vote this weekend. The 18-21 year age bracket is the most receptive to a last-minute change of heart, highlighting the importance of first-time voters feeling engaged in the political conversation.

This research gives us new insight into the characteristics of Australian politics on Twitter and how the platform is being used to foster connections between government leaders and their constituents. Key findings include:

• Twitter users are twice as likely to participate in governance issues than non Twitter users
• 71% of Twitter users that have contacted a member of government received a reply
• There are more young people registered to vote than ever before
• 31% of Twitter users in the 18-21 year age bracket are open to a last-minute change of heart, highlighting the importance of reaching first-time voters
• 1 in 4 Australian Twitter users could ‘change their mind’ about who to vote for
• Tax is the issue most likely to affect the vote of Australian Twitter users

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Political discussion is one of the most active conversations on Twitter — in fact #auspol has been the most frequently used hashtag in Australia for five years running.

Aussies are never more active than during an election campaign and are turning to Twitter to talk about policies, look for updates from politicians, and of course find out where they can find their closest #DemocracySausage sizzle.

Tune into @TwitterAU and @MomentsAU for updates in the lead up to Election Day. You can also watch live election coverage and find real time updates on our custom event page.

Use #AusVotes2019 and #auspol to follow the conversation on the day - and don’t forget to Tweet your #DemocracySausage 🌭