Final vote shows record low turnout must be addressed

With the final election results showing a record low voter turnout, the Green Party is strengthening its call for the Justice and Electoral Select Committee to focus its post-election inquiry on addressing declining voter turnout.

Following the 74.21 percent voter turnout at this election, the Green Party undertook an informal online survey which asked people six simple questions. They received 1,059 responses over a three day period.

"This online survey gives us some interesting first indications of the factors influencing voter turn-out. Those who responded showed strong support for exploring online options for enrolment and voting," said Green Party MP Gareth Hughes.

"Of the respondents who had not enrolled to vote, two-thirds indicated they would have been more likely to enrol if they could have done so online.

"We need to modernise our enrolment process and allow online enrolling because in 2011 many eligible voters, particularly young people, find it ridiculous they still need to post and fax forms just to get on the roll.

"Online voting may also increase voter turnout. Of those who hadn't voted, 58 percent said they would have been more likely to if secure online voting was available."

Mr Hughes said there was also support for civics education. 80 percent of survey respondents believed civics education at secondary school would make it more likely for young New Zealanders to vote.

"Our survey indicates there are options available to turn around declining voter turnout and we are calling on Parliament to broaden the scope of its regular post-election Select Committee inquiry and focus on determining the best solutions," said Mr Hughes.

"Voting is one of the core ways for the public to participate in the civic process. The act of voting, and the feeling of participation it brings, is vital for the health of democracy in our country."