Electronic voting gets a thumbs up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPdt8FXFbt4

The Government’s announcement to trial electronic voting for local authority elections in 2016 is a click in the right direction, according to a 22-year-old Hamilton resident.

Although heavy machinery operator Richard Mclaughlin was enrolled to vote during the last local body election in 2010, he did not bother.

He said even though the current process only requires ticking a few boxes, postage and waiting for voting booths seem like a “hassle” for people around his age.

“Not everyone has the time or transport to vote today, which makes online voting a good idea.”

This year’s Youth Parliament discussed electronic voting within a mock Electoral Reform Bill.

At the time of the event, Labour MP Phil Goff said he supported electronic voting only if the system worked as it should.

“[It needs to be a system] where somebody can cast their vote without being unduly influenced by somebody else.”

https://soundcloud.com/taylorsincockjournalist/phil-goff-talks-electoral

Local Government Minister Chris Tremain said the initiative is the way of the future and will be more convenient for young voters.

“Voter turnout in local body elections is traditionally low and we need to look at other ways to encourage people to become involved in the democratic process,” he said.

Currently around 66% of Hamiltonians aged between 18 and 24 are enrolled to vote.

Mclaughlin said younger people would be more inclined to enrol and vote if candidates actually engaged with them.

“Making a facebook page isn’t enough.

“[I would] make myself known by going to schools or universities and having a lecture, telling them what I could do to improve Hamilton.

“Put a commercial on TV or broadcast over the radio and maybe have a party.”

Another concern he has with the council is CBD parking costs.

“The simple fact is, why shop in the CBD when I could go to The Base or Chartwell and park for free?” he said.