Younger voters answering the call

Dunedin students are answering the call to enrol to vote and more than 2000 young people have signed up in the past month.

There are estimated to be 17,450 people in the 18-24 age group eligible to enrol in North Dunedin. However, as of this week only 9133, or 52.32%, had done so, compared with 73.76% in the same age group in South Dunedin.

Nationally, 65% of eligible voters were enrolled in that age group.

Dunedin registrar of electors Dee Vickers said the city’s student population skewed the overall figures, as many were enrolled to vote in their home electorates.
A concerted effort to raise the numbers in this demographic had paid off, she said.

‘‘North Dunedin has such a transient population and we are pleased to be above 50%,’’ Ms Vickers said.

‘‘It’s a bit like herding cats. Over the last month, there has been an extra 2000 enrolments.

‘‘We are noticing young people being more aware of political issues, and student bodies in particular have been great at encouraging people to vote.’’

‘‘The orange guy’’ was a marketing campaign in conjunction with the University of Otago, and this also helped raise awareness, she said.

Mrs Vickers was hoping for 82% of those aged 18-24 who were eligible to be enrolled by the cut-off.

‘‘This year, people can enrol right up to midnight on the 22nd [September], or make an advance vote which makes it possible to enrol and vote on the same day.’’

In other demographics North Dunedin was in line with national averages, with no age group less than 82%. South Dunedin was well represented, with 95.66% of voters enrolled. ★ Advance voting in New Zealand opens on Monday, September 11.

Election day is on September 23.

 - BY GUS PATTERSON 

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