First-timers sign on to electoral roll
Central Hawke's Bay's next generation of voters have signed up for the electoral roll.
Philip Parkes, Registrar of Electors for the Wairarapa electorate, which encompasses CHB, made his annual visit to CHB College at the start of the month where he spoke to around 30 Year 13 students.
He said part of his job was to visit all the schools in the electorate and encourage all eligible students to enrol to vote.
“A lot of issues, of course, affect students and the youth of today so it's really important for you to have your say.”
He started his presentation with a brief explanation about New Zealand's MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system of voting.
“That basically means you get two votes when you go along to a polling place [during an election] — you get to vote for the candidate of your choice in the electorate you are registered in, and the other vote is for the party of your choice.”
After a general election, he said New Zealand's parliament usually consisted of 120 MPs — around 71 elected members and another 49 List MPs who unsuccessfully stood in their seats but were selected by political parties that had secured at least 5 per cent of the overall party vote.
He also explained that, until the start of August, Ma¯ ori voters could choose whether they wanted to be registered on the general roll or continue to remain on the Ma¯ ori roll — an option only offered after a census had been held, as was the case this year.
“Which is very important, as you stay on the general or Ma¯ ori roll for the next two elections, or six years. The next option period is not until 2024,” he said.
CHB College Year 13 student Hayden Brown said he felt it was important to enroll to vote to have a say, while Bruno King was undecided about whether to register for the general or Ma¯ ori roll.
“I am not completely sure, so I will get some more information and then make my decision,” he said.