Voter turnout disappointing

Fewer than half of eligible voters turned out to participate in the last local body elections.

According to Election Services just 48.91 per cent of eligible voters turned out in 2013 with a similar figure of 46.89 per cent in 2010 within the Far North District Council area.

Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule says local body voter turnout varies significantly across different age groups and geographic areas.

The total national voter turnout for the 2013 local body elections was 41.3 per cent.

The main reasons people give for not voting is not knowing enough about the candidates, forgetting, or they left it too late, or they weren’t interested or were too busy.

A Totara North Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson says if you don’t vote you can’t complain.

The group has been trying to conduct a survey about local issues with only 15 replies out of 50 surveyed.

‘‘The people who make the most noise often don’t vote, but they do get the opportunity to tick the box.

‘‘Whether people think their voices are heard or not, at least you did have your say if you vote.’’

Local Government New Zealand launched the #Vote16NZ campaign in January with the aim to lift voter numbers above 50 per cent nationally for the first time since 1998.

Yule says in order to improve these statistics, the first step is to raise public awareness of the value of local government and the role it plays in the everyday lives of New Zealanders.

‘‘The research shows us there is a significant number of citizens who are interested in the process but don’t vote, or, who want to vote but say it’s too hard to find the information they need to make an informed decision.’’

The #Vote16NZ campaign will address these issues, Yule says.

‘‘Democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility.

‘‘By participating in the local government process and casting your vote you help ensure it rests on the right shoulders. Our goal is that, for the first time in nearly two decades, local government will be elected by a majority of New Zealanders.’’

❚ Are you going to vote in the local elections? If not, what’s the main reason? Email jenny.ling@fairfaxmedia.co.nz

‘‘Democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility.’’ Lawrence Yule