Congratulations to our new Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Council mayors, Greg Brownless and Garry Webber, as well as all of our new and returning Councillors. I look forward to working together closely with our local bodies for the benefit of our City and wider Region.
We had 32 Council candidates standing in the Tauranga City election and 36 for the Western Bay District Council, reflecting highly engaged local citizens. Despite this, voter turnout was very low. Only 36% of voters in Tauranga City cast their vote in this year's election, and 34.5% in Western Bay. Both down on previous elections.
Might the exclusive use of postal voting be contributing to low returns? Maybe returning to one, specific election day would focus people's minds on getting out to the polls and making their voices heard. It seems that with a postal vote 'window' that covers a few weeks, many people are not 'getting around to it.'
Voter turnout is certainly an issue that deserves our attention, along with ensuring all New Zealanders understand how our democracy really works. For example, some young voters have been under the impression that in New Zealand we have to pay to vote. Ensuring Civics is taught in our schools would give our kids the information they need to get involved in our democracy.
Confident and capable voters are empowered and engaged voters.
