Monday, August 12, 2019

Another brilliant idea


Stuff reports today that Patrick Barrett, a senior lecturer in public policy and political science at Waikato University, is concerned that not enough young people vote in local government elections.

Fine. I agree that if only 33 per cent of eligible voters in Hamilton cast votes, as happened in 2016, a lot of people are missing out on an important opportunity to exercise their democratic right. Perhaps more to the point, low voter turnout can skew the result and lead to the election of a council that’s not truly representative of the community.

So what’s Barrett’s solution? He’s urging that the voting age be lowered from 18 to 16.

Brilliant. I wonder what makes him think 16-18 year-olds are any more likely to vote than all the millennials who don’t bother. I mean, really.

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6 comments:

  1. VaughanAugust 12, 2019 at 11:57 AM

    It may go against custom to follow Australia, but in this case why not make voting compulsory as is the case over the ditch.

    That way people take responsibility and can see the result is somewhat democratic.

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    Replies
    1. MarkJAugust 13, 2019 at 1:23 PM

      At least enforce the mandate that you must be on the electoral role - or be charged...

      Delete
  2. MarkJAugust 13, 2019 at 1:22 PM

    I support the status quo. I believe you should need to have "skin in the game" to vote. You have to be impacted by the decisions you and your peers make. I might disagree with your choices but I respect your desire to make a change. If you have to live with your decision then you have a right to make it. In fairness I've always had an issue of NZ citizens living overseas for years who regularly vote in the NZ elections - yet never have to live under the result either way.

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  3. Trev1August 13, 2019 at 6:36 PM

    Voting should be for ratepayers only as it once was. No representation without taxation!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 16, 2019 at 12:46 PM

    Just an Hello,
    First time on your site and I hit the one million spot.
    Ex Mastertonian ( I used to follow your comments with a nodding head )and we met a few times at Hedleys during book launches.
    I have now shifted down to the deep South.

    Very intelligent retired schoolteacher gave me your blog site.
    I am now looking forward to giving my tuppence worth !!
    Jeff

    ReplyDelete
  5. PhilobAugust 16, 2019 at 10:21 PM

    Perhaps young people have more important things to do with their time than weigh up all the factors to make a political decision.
    This should come as no surprise or concern. I am sure multiculturalists would Agree that in most societies it is the elders who make the decisions

    ReplyDelete