The Otago University Students Association is launching a campaign to encourage students to enrol to vote, after years of poor student voter turnout.
OUSA president Ruby Sycamore›Smith said OUSA had visited residential colleges to spread the message, and there would be posters placed around the student area, as well as advertisements broadcast on Radio 1.
As of August 3, just 52.74% of the Dunedin North population aged between 18›24 had enrolled to vote, compared with 99.43% of those aged between 40›44.
Miss Sycamore›Smith believed student voter turnout had been so low in the past because students were not engaged with politics. She said they were unaware of what the Government actually did, and how it affected their day›to›day life.
OUSA had also advertised for a projects officer, a new role that would oversee the student voting project, among others.
Dunedin registrar of electors Dee Vickers said more than 7000 eligible people in Dunedin North between the ages of 18›24 had yet to enrol.
- by Daisy Hudson
