The new year and summer remind me that we humans have a long history of gatherings in village greens and town squares, for markets and festivals and events of all sorts. And resolutions.
As world cities grew, their central public spaces were seen as the ‘beating heart’ for political protests as well as celebrations, some able to host millions. Still.
‘Democracy’ and ‘demonstration’ both come from the Greek ‘demos’ (the common people), and from the gathered masses came ‘polis’ as the root of ‘politics’ (as well as ‘police’).
In this nation, this duo (democracy and politics) once attracted power-fuelled audiences, for all day election affairs as voters met at local polling booths then waited in city centres for the results to be posted usually by local newspapers on their main street facade. And here’s 1931 evidence (thanks to our Alexander Turnbull Library).
We, the people, are still drawn into mass gatherings of music, sport, and cultural celebrations, And I’m wondering if we can restore that energy into our polling system.
There are two public elections this year: WEL Trust in June (for Hamilton, Waikato and Waipā residents), then parliamentary elections by year end.
Three years ago, 90% of voters failed to vote in the WEL elections (owners of WEL Networks, impacting electricity pricing, and a 2025 balance sheet recording $196million in revenue, equity of $814million, and a network asset base of $973million). In last year’s council elections, two thirds of voters didn’t (the lowest in 35 years), while turnout dropped to 78% in the 2022 general elections (from a high of 95% in the 1984 Robert Muldoon – David Lange challenge).
There’s already reformist talk, and so here’s some ideas for our current politicians, friends and whanau on how best to promote ‘audience participation’.
Let’s ditch letter box election envelopes and replace postal voting with in-person digital voting at public polling places (more ‘secure’ than smart phones or home computers). With coinciding iconic entertainment to bring on the voters.
As well, toughen up on the legal requirement to enrol (at 18 years since 1974) and add the Australian-style insistence on actual voting. That’s a message to parents too, and a reminder the ‘rites of passage’ confirming adulthood includes voter responsibilities as well as a driver licence and legal alcohol.
A quick review confirms the decline in enrolled voters within our increasing population – in 2023, 440,000 fewer than in 2017. Lowest were our 18-24year-olds (57%). Over 82% of older adults aged 25-35years enrolled, and 90% beyond that.
That election cartoon character needs updating.
The crowd waiting in Wellington for the 1931 election results (thanks to the Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: 1/1-004500-G):
