Just 65% voter turnout

[NgaiHill]

For those who have been reading the news, New Zealand held its General Elections yesterday & returned the incumbent government to power with a greater majority than before, while it's main rival party lost ground from the last election.
I won't go into the details of how the parliamentary system works in NZ, google it if you're desperate to know. But the thing that struck me last night, after all the votes were counted, was that only 65% of eligible voters actually went out and voted. This is the worst voter turnout since the 1880s. Here in NZ it is a legal requirement to be on the electoral roll but not compulsory to vote. 35% of the voting population could not be bothered to exercise their democratic right. Thousands of our forebears died in wars to ensure that we live in a country that gives us that democratic right and I think we owe it to those that sacrificed their lives and their futures to have our say.
The polls were all telling us that the results were pretty much a foregone conclusion so I think there was a lot of voter apathy out there. I went to a rubbish clean-up event at a local scenic spot this morning, 2 hours and a BBQ at the finish and the elections were not mentioned once, not one single word about politics. the recent weather was the main topic of conversation!

[ArmySoldier777]

The fact is, no matter what country you're in, less and less people care about anything outside of their own immediate lives. If it doesn't directly affect them in the here and now, then they feel they can't be bothered with it.

Disappointing huh?

[Biomech]

That and the fact that it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who you choose, it always ends the same way.

I never vote.

[Vincent_G]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

For those who have been reading the news, New Zealand held its General Elections yesterday & returned the incumbent government to power with a greater majority than before, while it's main rival party lost ground from the last election.
I won't go into the details of how the parliamentary system works in NZ, google it if you're desperate to know. But the thing that struck me last night, after all the votes were counted, was that only 65% of eligible voters actually went out and voted. This is the worst voter turnout since the 1880s. Here in NZ it is a legal requirement to be on the electoral roll but not compulsory to vote. 35% of the voting population could not be bothered to exercise their democratic right. Thousands of our forebears died in wars to ensure that we live in a country that gives us that democratic right and I think we owe it to those that sacrificed their lives and their futures to have our say.
The polls were all telling us that the results were pretty much a foregone conclusion so I think there was a lot of voter apathy out there. I went to a rubbish clean-up event at a local scenic spot this morning, 2 hours and a BBQ at the finish and the elections were not mentioned once, not one single word about politics. the recent weather was the main topic of conversation!

Actually they did exercise their democratic right by not voting.

[NgaiHill]

Originally Posted by Vincent_G

Actually they did exercise their democratic right by not voting.

I guess you have a point, I just think it is disappointing that so few could be bothered. BTW, how much is the fine these days for NOT voting in Australia?

[Doug Pardee]

You should be glad that the other 35% didn't vote. They're the ones who would just pick a name because they recognized it, or because it sounded like a good name. As it is, probably half of the 65% who did vote made their choices that way.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

I guess you have a point, I just think it is disappointing that so few could be bothered. BTW, how much is the fine these days for NOT voting in Australia?

I thought it was about $A100.00, but apparently not so:

What happens if I do not vote?

Initially the Australian Electoral Commission will write to all apparent non-voters requesting that they either provide a reason for their failure to vote or pay a $20 penalty.

If, within 21 days, the apparent non-voter fails to reply, cannot provide a valid and sufficient reason or declines to pay the penalty, then prosecution proceedings may be instigated. If the matter is dealt with in court and the person is found guilty, he or she may be fined up to $50 plus court costs.


Contrary to what some may say, I agree with compulsary voting. If you want to have a government elected by all people and reflective of the common will of the majority, then voting must be mandatory and not optional.

Our system in Australia is not perfect and the system varies somewwhat from state to state, but generally it works very well.

You can't complain about your governemnt if you have not participated in putting them there.

BTW good luck with the new Keys Government.

Cheers,

John W.

[Vincent_G]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

BTW, how much is the fine these days for NOT voting in Australia?

I've always voted so had no idea until I read Woody's post. The fine seems a little low at only $20 ..geez if you rest your foot on a train seat the fine is $170

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

You should be glad that the other 35% didn't vote. They're the ones who would just pick a name because they recognized it, or because it sounded like a good name. As it is, probably half of the 65% who did vote made their choices that way.

I think Doug that because people are not engaged by politics, they are apaethetic and so your theory is valid your country.

In Australia, we are engaged by politics and every voter (sorry read most voters) are focused on candidates, policies and the nuances of the voting system.

As my grandma used to say, never discuss politics nor religion.

Now about The Pope.........


Cheers,

John W

[Bruce A]

I think compulsory voting is wrong too. If it wasn't compulsory (here) the majority of the percentage that wouldn't vote wouldn't care less. Let's decide governments by people who do care!