The number of people saying that they are not interested in voting is increasing and the trend has provided a major cause to worry.
The percentage of voters turning up at polling booths on Election Day has been steadily falling over the years. Election 2011 recorded the worst ever, with less than 75% of the registered voters exercising their franchise.
This compares unfavourably with the turnout in Election 2008 (79.46%), Election 2005 (80.92%), Election 2002 (76.98%), Election 1999 (84.77%), Election 1996 (88.28%) and Election 1993 (88.28%).
While New Zealand laws specify that all those eligible to vote must enrol their names with the Electoral Commission, non-compliance of which is a punishable offence, there is nothing in the Statutes about exercising franchise. Voting therefore is not compulsory in New Zealand, unlike Australia.
Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden said that more non-voters are now saying that they did not want to vote as they feel that their vote is not worth anything and that their opinion matters nothing.
“It is a trend that concerns our Commission,” he said and cited it as the reason for the new Campaign to connect New Zealanders with the power of their vote.
“We are lucky to live in a strong democracy where we all get to play a part. Our democracy is important, every single vote is important and every New Zealander’s voice deserves to be heard,” he added.
Mr Peden said that all New Zealanders are equal, especially on the day of the General Election, irrespective of their place of origin, status or income.
“We want all New Zealanders to think about why voting matters, what it means for them, their family and their community. We want them to enrol and vote on September 20,” Mr Peden said, launching the new Campaign that went on air on July 27, 2014.
The Campaign, featuring New Zealanders discussing the importance of voting and ‘How to find your Electorate’ and ‘How to Vote,’ can be accessed at www.ivotenz.org.nz
“The new campaign has used real people, not actors, speaking from the heart about why voting matters to them,” Mr Peden said.
