Gen Z may hold the power this federal election but many don’t know who Anthony Albanese is

Young voters have the power to shape this election, being the largest demographic heading into Saturday’s vote. But can they name the current prime minister?

This election, young people hold the power to decide our next federal government but many still don’t know who the leaders of the major parties are.

Despite making up the largest demographic heading to the polls at 47 per cent, many are tuning out of politics entirely as election day looms.

“I don’t really follow it,” disability worker Cassie Mangnosen said.

“Its just not what I like to listen to (...) when it’s not really a focus, I don’t pay attention.”

When asked whether she knew the name of the current prime minister, she was stumped.

However she was hardly alone with several other Gen Z’ers left scratching their heads.

“I don’t know much (about Australian politics),” first time voter Sumu, 18, said.

“Its kind of confusing.”

A Labor WA party TikTok ad showing pop star Sabrina Carpenter with a Medicare card. Picture: TikTok

Meanwhile Victorian Liberals posted a rap diss track about Dan Andrews. Picture: TikTok

Another teen, who wished not to be named, said that engaging with politics was hard due to the lack of civics education in schools.

The May 3 federal election marks the first where Gen Z and Millennial voters, born between 1981 and 2012, outnumber baby boomers in every state and territory.

Huge sums have been spent by both Labor and the Liberals to lure in young voters with memes and sugar hit attack ads on social media, including a viral clip of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese using the phrase “delulu with no solulu” in parliament.

The rise of content creators talking about politics online has also helped engage young voters disillusioned with politicians.

“I do watch a few YouTubers and a few podcasters on Australian politics but I try not to worry too much about the politicians themselves and more about the policies,” northern suburbs local Hunter, 22, said.

“The information is more accessible, it’s less biased and skewed by media.

“If you see politics as high school drama it’s much more entertaining.”

He also said it was important for all voters to be informed on what policies are on the table, regardless of their age.

Originally published as Gen Z may hold the power this federal election but many don’t know who Anthony Albanese is