Record High Participation Amongst the Next Generation of Voters

More than 78,000 school children from around the country have started voting in the 2014 general election from inside the classroom, as they take part in the biggest Kids Voting programme ever held in New Zealand.

“Kids Voting is a programme for young New Zealanders that encourages them to learn about and experience an authentic election,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer.

“Kids Voting gives students the chance to investigate and take part in an election using real parties, real candidates, and real issues. Our goal is that Kids Voting will help them grow to become the active, engaged citizens we all want to them to be.”

Kids Voting and the Commission’s curriculum-aligned teaching units were developed to help schools deliver engaging activities to encourage students' understanding and enthusiasm for participating in their communities and the voting process.

“We’re thrilled to be delivering an engaging civics programme that reaches so many of our next generation voters,” says Mr Peden.

“Educating the next generation of voters is critical,” says Mr Peden. “We need them to know that they have a voice, they can have say in the decisions that affect them, and give them the opportunity to see how it works – before they turn 18.”

ENDS

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