The 2020 general election for New Zealand is approaching quickly. Craccum asked students on their views on voting, and how young should New Zealanders be learning about and participating in politics.
Vanshika, Studying Optometry
“I’m enrolled to vote because I want to have a say in our country’s future.”
“As a woman of colour, I am extremely grateful for my right to vote. We have been blessed with an opportunity that took years to fight for and it would be a waste of our ancestors’ efforts not to use it.”
“I personally think that the current age to start voting in New Zealand is perfect. It allows young adults to get involved in politics at a time where they are mature enough to understand the socioeconomic factors which influence society. Young people have the ability to bring about change and voting is the first and easiest step in the right direction.”
“Everyone has a voice and we should all use it to create a better world for the generations that will follow us.”
Joe, Studying Engineering
“Yet again, we’re increasingly being bombarded with the promises, changes and messages of candidates vying for our votes as we approach the next general election. Only in the months leading up to the election do a lot of them muster the energy to crawl out of their caves to make their case.”
“Voting is a tool that presents us with the opportunity to choose the representatives who we feel may pave our way to a future we agree with. It is a tool with a lot of dependencies on other people, and a reasonably high likelihood of letting you down.”
“Politics is a complex beast and the people who start out with our best interests in mind usually end up being side-tracked by strong opposition, or the corruption of being in a position of power.”
“Though we are given the right to choose, it’s often ultimately merely an illusion. The problems with voting don’t stem from the system itself, but the people on the voting sheet.”
“Having more voters by lowering the minimum voting age will not change anything but reward people who produce more offspring with a greater say. Kids at that age will just echo their parents’ choices.”
Lana, Studying Arts
”I think voting is essential to ensure that our parliament is as representative of the population as possible.”
“However, the obvious issues regarding people lacking knowledge about the political parties, politicians and policies makes voting problematic. Nonetheless, every person (of age) should have the right to vote, and should research different parties and policy promises so they can make an informed vote.”
“I think that high schools should educate students about the NZ political system and the values and focuses of the political parties (in an unbiased way if that’s at all possible), to ensure that young people vote meaningfully. Most adults could probably benefit from this type of education too.”
“The current voting age seems fine, as younger people would probably just follow what their parents say rather than form their own opinions.”
Tommy, Studying Science and Commerce
“I think voting is good, but FPP [editors’ note: first-past-the-post electoral system] shouldn’t be used.”
“I am enrolled to vote and I do vote. Voting is good and I do think that only free citizens (excludes those imprisoned) should be allowed to vote.”
“I think 18 is a good age to be allowed to vote. I think it’s probably best to have [political education] as a 1st year uni paper.”
The New Zealand general election will be held on Saturday the 19th of September. To enrol to vote, head to www.vote.nz