What do young people really think about the election?

Over the past few weeks the youth of Christchurch have had an opportunity to vote on a website set up to simulate voters' experience in the general election and referendum this Saturday. The youthvote2011.co.nz website was organised by the Otautahi Youth Council and targeted Christchurch residents aged between 14 and 24. The website collected comprehensive data on information such as reasons behind voters’ decision, as well as voters' opinions about the current voting age.

The website revealed several fascinating results. Conforming to the stereotype given to youth, respondents preferred the Greens to other parties, giving them 53% of the Party Vote, ahead of both National (26%) and Labour (22%). Interestingly, those over 18 gave more support to the Greens and other small parties (such as ACT) than those under 18- something which seems to contradict assumptions about youth voting patterns. Another surprising result was that 77% of over 18’s thought that those under 18 were responsible enough to vote, significant because this proportion was greater than the 58% of under 18s who thought their peers capable of exercising rational votes. This belief may contain some gravitas as more than 80% of voters stated that their decision of whom to give their party vote to was based on the policy of the party they voted for- suggesting that some thought had gone into the decision. Finally, support for MMP was an astounding 95% illustrating that this is the system youth want.

The youth of Christchurch have truly shown that they care about politics. This poll demonstrates how making voting more accessible to youth can increase the voter turnout.. A full description of these results will be found at oyc.co.nz on election day, November the 26th.

Visit the council Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/OtautahiYouthCouncil

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