Voter turnout

Question 1

What is the current trend of voter turnout in NZ?

Answer 1

Currently, voter turnout has been steadily declining since around 1945. 2011 represented the lowest voter turnout in NZ since full adult suffrage. While turnout is declining, NZs turnout is still acceptable compared to the standards of many other democracies.

Question 2

Why is this decline occurring?

Answer 2

1. Elections seem to have less meaning- Parties no longer express or represent any real ideologies and campaign largely on their leader. This has increased the use of personality politics. Much of the public then sees no real difference between labour and national as they govern in much the same way.
2. Declining satisfaction and trust- Politics have become dirtier and more corrupt which leads to a decline in the trust from the public. Additionally, parties are not mobilising the voters to the same extent and as a result are not given enough incentive to feel as though they have to vote.

Question 3

Cost-benefit

Answer 3

1. Turnout is higher when costs are low. This includes the costs to enroll and actually vote. If costs are higher, it may be a deterrent. For example, any sort of transport could easily put people off.
2. The potential benefits of an election also play a large part in determining if people vote. For example the significance of the election in terms of policies. Also the form of voting can be a big factor. FPP and plurality voting may be seen as having less of an impact than proportional voting due to the fact that in FPP the only votes that really matter are those for the party that wins the majority.

Question 4

Individual factors determining turnout:

Answer 4

1. Habit of an individual to vote is important. If from early on someone didn’t vote, it is more difficult to try and persuade them to vote later in life.
2. Older generations are therefore more likely to vote due to the fact that voter turnout was relatively high indicating more turnout among the youth of that time who will now be the elderly of today.
3. Confidence is also important. Voters need to have the belief that their vote actually counts otherwise what is the point in voting.

Question 5

Why don’t people vote?

Answer 5

1. The parties fail to mobilise the voting public and instill a sense of unity between the party and the voters.
2. Voters may feel as though their vote will not count.
3. Cost involved is likely to deter some voters as well as a lacking of resources. This can be due to social position.

Question 6

Why do people vote?

Answer 6

1. Based on their demographic- voters in more affluent areas will be more inclined to vote as it is easier based on their social position.
2. The competitiveness and importance of the election.
3. Political knowledge.

Question 7

Which groups tend not to vote?

Answer 7

1. The youth (18-24)
2. Maori
3. Ethnic minorities
4. Unaffected demographics

Question 8

Explain the young voters:

Answer 8

1. Young voters (18-24) make up approximately 25% of the voting population (65+ make up 15%).
2. There are good schemes in place to promote enrollment. 75% of those eligible to vote actually enroll.
3. The youth are less ideologically inclined are situated more in the center ground.
4. The parties do little to mobilise the youth after they have enrolled. There is not a lot of incentive.

Question 9

Why do the youth not vote?

Answer 9

1. Those with less education tend not to vote.
2. Low income.
3. Lower socioeconomic standing.
4. Pacific, maori or asian descent.
5. Lack of mobilisation from the parties- no real incentive to actually vote.

Question 10

How can turnout be increased?

Answer 10

1. The use of more convenient forms of voting. For example online voting which is already being tested. This would stop people having to pay for transport and would be less disruptive to their daily lives.
2. Compulsory voting as is done in Australia. Those who don’t vote may face fines or community service.
3. Educational reform. Increased youth education surrounding the political system could increase interest and participation.
4. Greater mobilization of voters by parties.
5. Avoid having too many elections. Increase the terms and avoid snap elections.

Question 11

What are the implications of low voter turnout?

Answer 11

1. It takes away from the democratic process as there will not be a fair representation of the public.
2. Future generations will likely not be involved in politics and this would likely negatively impact the political landscape of the time as well as that of the future as young generations will continue to be disengaged.