26 August 2016

Love bus drives vote message to Aucklanders

Driving democracy to young and ethnically diverse voters is behind Auckland Council’s Love Bus.

The Love Bus, a classic kombi van decorated with some of the scenes Aucklanders love about their city, is on the road for the next six weeks as Auckland Council ramps up efforts to reach the broadest range of communities and provide information to eligible voters to encourage them to get involved and vote.

Aucklanders tell us the things that matter most to them include an efficient and effective transport system, housing, the environment, cycle ways, beaches and events, but despite these issues being really important and directly affecting them, exciting a new generation of voters to become engaged enough to have a voice, can be a challenge.

“Many of the people we’re trying to have a conversation with have never voted or never been able to vote,” says Auckland Council’s Elections Planning Manager Glyn Walters.

“We’re going out to the people to ensure eligible and future voters know how to vote, what they’re voting for, why it matters and the impact their vote has on the future direction of Auckland.”

“In just three years, since the last elections, nearly 50,000 more voters have joined the electoral roll, part of an estimated 100,000-plus new Aucklanders of voting age,” says Walters.

Already the bus and its team have reached out to Māori, youth and senior groups, as well as talking to new Aucklanders from Africa, Korea, China and other migrant communities. The bus has also been a fixture at night markets, attracting large numbers of people responding to the call to “show their love for Auckland” and vote.

“If you can’t get to see the Love Bus in person, check out our elections Facebook page voteAKL and follow its journey around the region there,” says Mr Walters.

In 2013 just 35.5% of voters turned out ranking Auckland near the bottom in New Zealand for participation. Only 350,000 voted out of the one million eligible voters. While 89% of the 70-plus age group voted, just 34% of the 18-29 age group did so.

Voting documents will be in letterboxes from 16 September. It’s a postal vote and voting documents must be received by midday, Saturday 8 October.

ENDS

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