Electoral roll surges by 37,000 new voters ahead of postal poll

The electoral roll has increased by nearly 37,000 places since August 8.

The AEC has confirmed the electoral roll increased by 36,769 between August 8 and August 20.

The electoral roll has increased by nearly 37,000 places since August 8 when Malcolm Turnbull flagged his postal survey on same-sex marriage.

While the number of voters on the electoral roll has expanded ahead of tomorrow’s 6pm deadline for participation in the government’s voluntary postal ballot, the increase represents only a tiny portion of 811,000 “missing electors” estimated by the Australian Electoral Commission. AEC figures obtained by The Australian show that as of June 30, there were believed to be 279,000 people between 18 and 24, and 257,000 people between 25 and 39 missing from the roll.

For those aged between 40 and 59, there are some 201,000 missing electors; the figure drops to 75,000 for those aged 60 and over.

The “enrolment rate” for those aged between 18 and 24 is the lowest of all age categories at 85.4 per cent compared with 98.5 per cent for those in the 60 and over category.

The AEC has confirmed the electoral roll increased by 36,769 between August 8 and August 20 and a further 434,026 “update transactions” were processed in this timeframe which The Australian understands refers largely to address updates.

Some Coalition figures are worried the rise in enrolments is fuelled by those who intend to support the Yes campaign and in turn these voters are more likely to support Labor at the next election and sway the outcome in critical seats held on narrow marginals by Liberal and National MPs.