Strategies to get young people voting

With the New Plymouth district’s voter turnout currently sitting at 47 per cent, the calls for more people to get out and vote are common.

But with only the older demographic turning up to meet the candidate evenings or reading profiles in the newspaper, how do younger people become informed about their voting options? New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) external relations manager Jacqueline Baker said the council has had to take bold action in an attempt to attract a younger audience and get them involved.

‘‘We’re trying to modernise it and make it a bit more attractive for a younger audience,’’ she said.

As well as yesterday’s launch of the controversial ‘Give a s..t, vote today’ campaign slogan and poo emoji symbol, NPDC is also using more traditional ideas. On September 30, a mayoral debate chaired by teens is taking place at Marfell School where young voters will have the opportunity to put their questions to mayoral candidates. The evening will open with a rap performance, end with a dance performance and include free pizza. On October 5, a skate competition is being held at East End skate park, where a ballot box will be in place and help on hand to assist voters.

More ballot boxes than ever will be distributed throughout the district on voting day, including at museums and supermarkets. Baker also encouraged young voters to head onto their local council’s website to read candidate profiles. Many candidates had a strong social media presence and questions to them could be asked via those platforms, she said.