When you add on those who enrolled and drew obscene graffiti on their ballot paper rather than make a choice between candidates, it adds up to a significant slice of the voting pie for candidates.

With the upcoming September 10 local elections close on the horizon the candidates of ‘Stand Up for Griffith’ are hopeful they can engage first time voters and make them realise their pen can be mightier than the sword.

The group will host a forum for these voters on Wednesday night in an attempt to make them aware of their often unharnessed power to shape results in elections.

The night will be an informal question and answer opportunity for uncertain or disengaged voters to have their concerns and queries about the voting system answered.

“The decisions that are made by the council we choose in this election will influence how our city is in 10 years time and the ones who that will effect are the genesis of first time voters coming forward,” mayoral hopeful Paul Snaidero said.

“Young adults have the power to shape where this town is going, and so they need to have an informed view of where our group is going.

“Voting is also a responsibility, this is about your future in this town so you need to come forward and be informed.”

Mr Snaidero said the voting system was understandably a confusing arrangement for many and said he hoped the night would clear any misconceptions or uncertainties people might have.

“It’s not a popularity contest and people need to understand that if they vote for people they may be giving their votes away to someone else,” he said.

“You have to wonder how many people would actually know how this system works.

“The night will be all about the dialogue, it will be very informal we don’t want to to talk at people, we want to talk with them and if we can’t answer a question then and there we will get that person’s details and get an answer to them as soon as possible.”

The first time voters forum will be held at Romeo and Giulietta’s restaurant Wednesday, August 31 from 6pm. 

Refreshments will be provided by Stand Up for Griffith candidates Mr Snaidero, Michele Devery, Andy Armstrong and Eddie Mardon.