Editorial: Election time gives power to people

The race for your vote is well under way. For young first timers the prospect of voting can be exciting. It's the first time they will have a say in the shape and membership of New Zealand's Government and this year they also get to vote in a referendum which will help decide how we vote in future elections.

While it is a legal requirement to enrol to be registered on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll, unlike in some countries, voting is not compulsory. Some who choose to not participate might argue that their one vote will not make a difference anyway but that is not true. Every vote does count.

But all this politicking can be confusing, particularly for people who haven't decided who will get their votes. Leaders' debates are on television, billboards are up and the parties are releasing policies and making promises. Attending meet-the-candidates meetings may help people make up their minds and some are being held locally.

Electioneering is alive and well. In Rotorua yesterday, Labour MPs visited QE Health and said they wanted district health boards to be able to send patients to the hospital for intensive therapies. A return to how it used to be.

In the Eastern Bay, Mana Party's Waiariki candidate, Annette Sykes, and leader Hone Harawira barnstormed through Whakatane and addressed the public. In the Western Bay, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has decided he won't contest an electorate seat, choosing to focus on the party vote.

Yes, it's all on. Once every few years, ordinary Kiwis hold the power.