ADVOCATE COLUMN 2nd WEEK JUNE 2013

Four months out from the upcoming local body elections and prospective councillors and mayoral candidates are beginning to signal their intentions to their electorates. Or rather they are communicating with that portion of the electorate with whom they come in contact with through their spheres of influence. Over the last few electoral cycles, the voter turnout for local body elections throughout New Zealand has been in decline. In many cases less than half the eligible voters actually bother to turn up at the polls. Of more concern than the low numbers is the fact that at the last elections it was estimated that over half those who did vote were over 55 years of age. There may be many reasons for low participation in local body politics, but since local councils play an important role in shaping our communities it is unfortunate that a large proportion of our communities decide not to have a say in how these councils are formed. Young voters may not participate as they could feel it lacks any relevance to their day-to-day lives. This lack of relevancy may arise from the fact that we have an extended education phase in New Zealand, that they may not be participating in the labour market or that they do not own their own homes. All these things imply that local government is less likely to directly impact on the individual. However, whatever the reason for a section of our community not participating this in part could be remedied by better communication. There is evidence to suggest that increased information leads to increased participation. To make an informed voting decision requires adequate political knowledge. As well this knowledge there is the systemic issue of the individual’s belief in the efficacy of governance or the ability to influence the political decision making process. Without an effective manner to deliver sufficient information in the relevant format to inform our communities; accompanied by a belief that they can influence decisions, I would imagine the declining participation is likely to continue. Herein lays the challenge to our civic leaders. It is too easy to say that everyone has the opportunity to participate but they are not interested. Leading into this year’s elections what needs to be asked is how our local politicians intend to meaningfully engage with their constituents and in particular those younger members of the community who may at present see no relevance in the process.