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Kids voting - an authentic voting experience

These elections (October 2007 is the local government elections), New Zealand children will have their say about who they think should run councils thanks to a new initiative being offered to schools.

These elections (October 2007 is the local government elections), New Zealand children will have their say about who they think should run councils thanks to a new initiative being offered to schools.

‘Kids Voting’ is a response to low voter turnout, particularly among young people, It provides students with an opportunity to try out an actual voting experience. 

'Kids Voting' aims to take the mystery out of the process of voting so that more people will take part when they get the opportunity to do it for real.

So far there are 80 schools across New Zealand registered and 40 councils taking part in this year's local government ‘Kids Voting’ elections.

Each school registered is provided exact replicas of the ballot paper that will be issued to adult electors in the same area but with KIDS VOTING printed large at the top.  Students have four weeks to research who they will vote for and why.  Classes conduct an election in the week prior to the actual vote.  They follow the processes used in the actual election.  Results from each school are sent to the national coordinator who then provides reports on the results of the Kids Voting election across New Zealand.

Organisers of 'Kids Voting' say they welcome the renewed interest nationally about civics education and youth participation in decision making.

The popular programme originated in the US in the late 1990s and was first introduced by Auckland City Council in 2000. It has enjoyed increasing support with 30 intermediate and high schools throughout the Auckland area participating in the 2005 parliamentary elections involving 6,000 students.   It is now being rolled out across New Zealand for the first time as part of the “Growing Active Citizens project”, co-ordinated by Local Government New Zealand with support from a range of agencies. 

Kids Voting is designed to work with the year-nine social studies curriculum.
This is an ideal opportunity for school students to get first hand exposure to the electoral process enabling them join in to discussions about the election at home with their family.

Further information on Kids Voting is available from the Kids Voting website on www.kidsvoting.org.nz. Schools have until the 31st July 2007 to register their interest.

Next year Kids Voting will focus on the general elections and Year Nine Students will be given the same opportunity for an authentic voting experience.

*Year Nine is the equivalent of Form Three

Contact people are:

Victoria Owen, Local Government New Zealand 04 924 1221, Victoria.owen@lgnz.co.nz

Dale Ofsoske
Electoral Officer, Independent Election Services Ltd
Phone 64 9 3077211
Email: dale.ofsoske@aucklandcity.govt.nz

Dr Helena Catt, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission - 021 475 031 (out of the country until 22 July but can be reached on mobile)

Elizabeth Hughes
Communication Manager
Tauranga City Council
Ph 027 277 1259

4 July 2007