New Zealand used to be a world leader in voter participation and we can be again.
The Electoral Commission believes New Zealand needs to develop a strategy to nurture and celebrate its democratic culture and values and encourage participation. Turning the current trend around will not be easy and a concerted effort will be required from all sectors of society.
If any country is well-placed to achieve this it is New Zealand. We are a small, well-educated nation with a proud democratic tradition. It is easy to enrol and vote here. We have enjoyed free and fair elections for almost the entirety of our constitutional history. Our first parliamentary election was in 1853, just 13 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Having achieved male suffrage in 1879, we were, in 1893, the first nation to adopt universal suffrage, 27 years before the US, 35 years ahead of the UK, and 78 years before Switzerland.
This year, then, let us talk about why democracy is important to us. Talk to the new voters and non-voters among your whanau and friends. Talk about why democracy matters to you. Talk about the issues that are important to you, at home, at work and in your community. Talk about the fact you vote not just for yourself but for those you care about, now and in the future.
And if you are thinking of not voting at this year's election, please think again.
Robert Peden is the chief executive of the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission is an Independent Crown Entity responsible for the administration of New Zealand's parliamentary elections.