Cabinet decision on e-voting “blow to local democracy”

Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett says he's “gutted” Cabinet has decided not to go ahead with an online voting trial, which he calls "a blow to local democracy".

“Voter turn-out is declining and we believe offering a modern, accessible, efficient, digital option to voters is an important and obvious step in turning that around, " Mr Leggett said. "That's why our Council has led the charge on e-voting for a number of years.”

Mayor Leggett says Porirua is a young city with a high proportion of voters who relate to online communities.

“The ease, access and convenience of voting online not only benefits modern lifestyles but can also improve participation for overseas voters.

“We need to cater to them and future generations to allow them to engage with democracy on their terms. The internet is an integral part of young people’s lives and if we want them to vote we need to make the process quicker and easier.

“Online voting provides opportunities to make voting simpler and more accurate, by notifying voters if they have incorrectly completed a voting document. It also helps electors who currently have issues voting under the postal system.

“This short-sighted decision is a blow to local democracy by people clearly struggling to adapt to the digital era. In a handful of years, the fact a New Zealand government rejected e-voting in 2016 will have people scratching their heads. This baffling decision gives new meaning to the term 'no-brainer'," Leggett said.

Mayor Leggett says the work and cost put in by Porirua and other councils who put themselves up to take part in the trial has been a wasted effort.

However, he said he was pleased to be able to discuss the issue with the Associate Minister of Local Government, Hon Louise Upston and understood her position around risk.

Cabinet’s decision can be read online at: www.dia.govt.nz/online-voting.

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