The 2026 state election and the new era of voters
Monash University
Victorian Electoral Commissioner and Monash University experts discuss first time voters and the future of democracy.
WHAT: The 2026 Victorian state election will welcome a new generation of first-time voters into the electorate: Generation Z voters who are highly familiar with digital technologies and consume a great deal of online content. Monash University, together with the Victorian Electoral Commission, will host a conversation with the Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, about young voters’ engagement , as well as the challenges and ways the current communication landscape is shaping their understanding. The free event will also feature a panel discussion with Monash University political, journalism and legal experts chaired by Victorian affairs editor for The Age, Annika Smethurst.
WHERE: Learning and Teaching building (LTB) room 221, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton (event will also be live streamed)
WHEN: Thursday 15 October 2026, arrival 17:00 for 17:15 to 18:30 panel discussion including Q&A
WHO:
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Victoria’s Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel, will explore young voters’ engagement and the ways and challenges new media is guiding first-time voters
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Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations and expert in contemporary challenges to democracy and populism, Dr Benjamin Moffitt
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Associate Professor and Director, Public law and political integrity, and expert in the impacts of online political advertising Yee-Fui Ng
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Associate Professor, Politics and International relations and expert in disinformation challenges for youth, Zareh Ghazarian
RSVP here to attend or contact the Monash media team for interview opportunities.
Read more commentary: What does the future of Victoria look like beyond the election?
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Kim Loudon
Media and Communications Manager
P: +61 458 281 704