How this 19-year-old could create electoral history

He’s only just old enough to vote but this fresh-faced teen could create electoral history. And he spent just $1750 on his six-week campaign.

Declan Martin has been in politics just two months.

He’s only just old enough to vote at 19 and if he wins the seat of Brighton he’ll need to get a lift to parliament because he doesn’t have a driver’s licence yet.

Early counting suggested Declan could have created electoral history, picking up the seat because Labor swept so many the party looked set to claim seats it has never held before.

Earlier a 10 per cent swing had him in front but as counting continued, Declan started trailing Liberal candidate James Newbury.

Declan was so shocked, he had not even planned to go to an election party and had to crash another candidate’s.

He was so surprised he could only tweet one word:

Wow #springst #vicvotes #VicElection2018

— Declan Martin (@declanmartin75) November 24, 2018

Declan Martin excited about his votes. Picture: Blake Johnson/7 News Melbourne

The university student spent $1750 on his six-week campaign and would have to give up a gap-year trip if he wins.

“I wasn’t expecting anything like this, it’s crazy,” he told the ABC.

“I do not come from a family of politicians.

“My mum is just an accounts payable officer, and my dad’s a hardworking bricklayer.

“I gave it a shot and it looks like it could pay off.”

ABC election analyst Antony Greens said the swings in eastern Melbourne, a traditional Liberal stronghold, were consistent and very strong and unexpected.

“Here is this band of red that’s swept across the east of Melbourne,” he said.

“That wasn’t what anyone was predicting but that’s what we’re seeing.”

The Liberal-Nationals coalition is predicted to have just 23 seats in the new parliament after losing up to 12 seats.