Early voting

How refreshing it is to see voting becoming more people- friendly. The people introducing these changes deserve our thanks. When women first got the right to vote, voting was done on a Wednesday. It was midweek and the shops and businesses closed for the half- day. These days many people work all day on Saturdays, it was often a rush to get to the polling places after work.

Early voting has been a great help, at one time it was just for those who had health issues or who would be travelling on that day. Having polling stations at some supermarkets helps too. Maybe major bus and train stations and the airport could also be considered. New Zealand First’s Ron Mark says both main political parties will have to accept “dead rats” from NZ First to become the Government. This does not ring well with me. He is, in effect, threatening the whole of New Zealand. Mr Mark is saying NZ First will hold the majority to ransom to enable his party to have a major say in a coalition government. This is not what people are voting for. If people want NZ First to have a major impact on the government, then they would be supporting NZ First in droves.