Split over voting age

Kieran McAnulty

A move to lower the voting age for local body elections is getting mixed reviews from the region’s politicians.

Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty introduced the bill into Parliament on Wednesday last week – but it has had virtually no publicity.

The News asked elected local government members and MPs for their opinion.

Early “poll” indications were that the move was supported – of the first half dozen responses, four were in favour, one opposed and one had no objection to the idea.

But when The News went to press on Tuesday, 13 of 24 local and national politicians to respond had given the plan a “thumbs down. By the time this online story had gone live, all local politicians had responded. (*see below)

Waipā local body politicians were divided in The News poll – 10 were in favour and 10 against, two did not know.

If the bill is passed, candidates would have to go “back to school” when campaigning for votes in the 2028 local body elections – in other words, the one after next. The Bill establishes a youth electors’ category of voters and would see the creation of a youth electoral roll.

It has been on the cards since the Supreme Court ruled in November that not allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote amounted to age discrimination.

Labour has not sought to lower the general election voting age because it won’t be able to achieve the 75 per cent yes vote required. National favours keeping at 18.

But at local body level, it only requires a majority vote in the house to change the present law.

For 16 year olds

Alana Mackay, Andrew Brown, Clare St Pierre, Dale-Maree Morgan, Liz Stolwyk, Marcus Gower, Mike Montgomerie, Mike Pettit, Sue Milner and Susan O’Regan were in favour, Roger Gordon and Elise Badger were neutral or did not know.

For 18 year olds

Andrew Myers, Ange Holt, Bruce Thomas, Jill Taylor, Jo Davies-Colley, John Wood, Kane Titchener, Lou Brown, Philip Coles and Sally Whitaker said no.

Waikato District Council has lobbied against the change – mayor Jacqui Church and Mike Keir voted no in our poll. Crystal Beavis voted yes provided there was civics education at school.

Taupō’s National MP Louise Upston said the line had to be drawn somewhere, and her party was happy with 18.

But with the issue coming before the house, she noted “everyone’s views can be put forward for discussion. That is when we can consider all the evidence and make an informed decision.”

Taranaki King Country MP Barbara Kuriger also voted no, and so did regional councillor Clyde Graf – regional council chair Pamela Storey and Waipā-King Country councillor Stuart Kneebone were in the yes camp.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the responses…

• I’m hoping the lower age will generate more interest from younger people – Clare St Pierre.
• If it happens it happens – Roger Gordon.
• Voters need more life experience before voting – Kane Titchener.
• Those with strong political views will vote but the vast majority will not – unfortunately – Andrew Brown.
• In general, teenagers at that age are not very aware of what goes on in both local and central government – Jacqui Church.
• …it has to be done in conjunction with civics education in schools… so that young people are informed of how government works… – Mike Keir.
• I believe there is evidence that voting earlier in life is more likely to lead to habitual voting – Mike Montgomerie.
• Young people are heavily influenced by adults such as parents and teachers and therefore subject to coercion – Sally Whitaker.
• I don’t believe they have enough life experience and interest in politics to make an informed vote – Ange Holt
• …most 16 and 17 year olds don’t contribute to rates through rents or rates – Lou Brown.
• I think allowing younger people to vote could see precious money directed their way, when it could be better spent on parents in need – Andrew Myers.
• The majority of 16-year-olds have not yet fully experienced some of the issues facing New Zealand that need consideration when voting – Jo Davies-Colley.
• Left-wing governments and liberals already have an excessive influence on children while at school – Clyde Graf.
• If a person feels they wish to influence the leadership, governance and direction of their community and country then they should be permitted to do so – Liz Stolwyk.
• I am now more supportive of considering a change – Susan O’Regan.
• The small risk of giving the vote to some young people who may not be ready to exercise that right is outweighed by the potential benefits of enfranchising those who are ready – Dale Maree Morgan.
• Those who are 16 and a little older that I have asked the age for voting question, the answer was overwhelming that they have no interest in local body elections – Bruce Thomas.
• I figure that those making the effort to vote will be thinking ahead about the future, and will make an informed decision which must be a good thing. – Stuart Kneebone.
• I am unsure that at 16 there are many who would want to exercise the right to vote, some may be very interested and others will be uninterested, but that could be said of other members of the community too – Sue Milner
• Research shows education is associated with higher levels of voting intention. Young people need a basic understanding of our political system and the law to understand their rights and responsibilities in NZ, including voting. – Crystal Beavis.
• In my view I do not believe that by dropping the voting age it will increase the voter turnout of younger voters. The data from the previous election cycles continuously demonstrates that interest for voting at local body elections comes from the senior members of the community.  – Philip Coles.

1. What do you think? Email [email protected]
2. Next week: Three year term or four?

*Others responded after The News went to press. They were Stuart Kneebone, Crystal Beavis, Bruce Thomas, Sue Milner, Philip Coles and Elise Badger.

Download the responses.