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Braddon is one of the most marginal seats in this federal election, and these young voters want their voices heard

Laura Johnson said she did not want to move, but would have to in order to further her career. (ABC News: Monte Bovil)

From the pristine coastline to the rugged wilderness, Tasmania's north-west and west have much to offer.

But 23-year-old Laura Johnson knows she can't call this place home forever.

"I really love living in the north-west; it's home. I love everything about it," she said.

"Unfortunately, without a doubt, I will have to move away to further my studies and career."

It's a sentiment shared amongst many young people in the region, a key battleground in the federal election.

"It's such a shame that people have to move away just to get a better education or to get better health resources, it's something you shouldn't have to do," she said.

Ms Johnson grew up in Smithton before moving further east to Somerset, working as a support worker, and running her own mental health organisation.

A lack of mental health resources and support is the issue at the forefront of her mind as election day gets closer, and one she believes has worsened due to a lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living.

One of the most marginal seats in the country

The numerous visits and media events from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, not only during the election campaign but well before it actually began, show the importance of the outcome in north-west Tasmania.

But a wave of disengagement from politics captivates a section of the 82,527 voters in Braddon.

Ms Johnson believes it stems from politicians and candidates not always delivering on promises.

Braddon covers the major cities of Devonport and Burnie, along with coastal and farming towns in the north-west.

Liberal candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce currently holds the seat. (ABC News: Monte Bovill)

It extends down to include mining and wilderness towns in the west and also encompasses King Island, in Bass Strait.

It's one of the poorest and most disadvantaged electorates in the country and has changed hands between the major parties in six of the past eight elections.

Liberal Gavin Pearce won the seat on a 3.1 per cent margin in the 2019 election, making it one of the most marginal in the country.

Burnie councillor Chris Lynch is hoping he'll be able to win the seat back for Labor.

Eight other minor party and independent candidates are also running.

Chris Lynch (centre) is running for Labor in Braddon. (ABC News: Monte Bovill)

Housing, healthcare and education some of the big issues

Emma Johnstone is voting for the first time this election.

The 18-year-old moved from the mainland to the town of Latrobe on the eastern edge of the electorate with her family in 2017.

She said the services in Tasmania's north-west don't compare to what her family were used to.

"It's something that you just have to live with down here."

Emma Johnstone said younger people needed to vote independently of their parents. (ABC News: Monte Bovill)

Along with housing and healthcare, she said ensuring adequate educational and career opportunities for young people was at the top of her agenda.

"It scares me, the idea of having to leave home, just to continue with study," she said.

Ms Johnstone said she was still making up her mind when it came to who she would be voting for, but said it was a decision she was prepared to make on her own.

"I think it can be very detrimental if young people just vote the way their parents do," she said.

"We need to step away from our parents and work out what we need."

'We want help but we can't get it'

For 16-year-old Mateya Gregson, she's one of the thousands of young people not old enough to vote.

Mental health was the biggest issue for Mateya Gregson. (ABC News: Monte Bovill)

Despite being in a demographic that will be the future of the region, she doesn't believe their voice is being heard.

"The things that we want aren't being heard because we are not the ones that get to pick," she said.

Like many people in the electorate, Ms Gregson said mental health was the biggest issue for her.

"We want help but we can't get it. People are struggling and they are getting closer and closer to that line," she said.

"There's nothing you can do when you are trying to get that help but it is just not available."

And as polling day approaches, Ms Johnson hopes people in Braddon recognise how important their vote is.

"Everybody's voice does matter and it can influence change. Sometimes it may just take one voice to start that change," she said.

What are the key health issues in this election?
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