Voters hurry up…going once, twice
by Michelle King
Auckland Mayor is encouraging voters to front up at this years mayoral election.
The 2007 Local Body elections currently only have 22 per cent voter turnout in Auckland.
Voter turnout across the country has dropped off over three years, but this year’s statics are a record low.
Dick Hubbard says that Aucklanders should front up to vote and secure their preferred candidate. “I think if you go below 45 per cent democracy starts to fall down.
“The problem that you have is that if people say they are happy with the status quo and don’t vote somebody might get into office that actually makes them unhappy with the status quo,” says Mr Hubbard.
Hubbard says these elections will shape Auckland’s development over the next 10 years and people need to have their say and vote.
“There is a lot of difference between myself and my main contender Mr Banks I tend to put a lot of emphasis on people side of things he believes very much that the councils have to stick to core business which is roads and trees. There are distinct differences which will influence the way Auckland develops,” says Hubbard.
Election officials say the current voter apathy could be down to a combination of too little information, too little competition among candidates and people just being more interested in the rugby.
Hubbard says that New Zealanders need to take of the law of unintended consequences, in that by not voting because you are happy with what you have you may get exactly what you don’t want, as a result of not voting.
Despite the drop off in voter turnout in Auckland city and Auckland region over the last three years, the message is clear: get out there and vote.
But you had better hurry, voters have until midday Saturday to have their say.