Elections 101: Why you should give a toss about the elections

There’s better things to worry about, right? Like climate change, housing, city safety, decent infrastructure…oh wait. We really care about those things too.

In fact, addressing these issues and many more are key priorities for Wellington City Council, with the ultimate goal to make our city fit for the future.

Many people vote because they are passionate about specific things in the city, others vote because it’s their right. Find out why some local Wellingtonians give a toss about voting in the local elections, and why you should give a toss too.

Ruwa, 29

Why do you vote?
I want to live in a city that’s vibrant, inclusive and resilient. Therefore I vote for candidates that can uphold and make this vision happen.  

Why should other people vote?
If you want to see change happen, the best thing to do is to vote in people that will get this mahi done. Our votes count.

Isaiah, 22

Why do you vote? 
I vote because I'm invested in my own future. I want better outcomes for our city, and for Māori, so I'll do my bit and vote for whoever furthers those interests. 

Why should other people vote? 
People should vote because it's free. It costs you nothing to have a say and help decide the future of Wellington (or wherever your electorate is). I also think it's important to vote smart, figure out what you care about, figure out which candidates/parties align most with your values and vote based on that! Have your say, the future depends on it!

Kezia, 28 

Why do you vote? 
I vote so I can have my say — both as an individual, and as part of the disability community.

Why should other people vote? 
So they can have their say on the issues that matter to them.

Libby, 30

Why do you vote? 
I vote in the elections because I love Wellington and I want to have a say in how it looks in the future. I would love to see a local government body that reflects my values and beliefs on how Wellington should be managed in the short, mid and long-term, and the best way that can be achieved is by voting for the candidates I feel will best address those beliefs and concerns. 

Why should other people vote? 
Other people should vote in the local elections for the exact same reason. Most people have pretty strong feelings and opinions about how Wellington is run and the best way to have your voice heard is to cast your vote. It goes beyond things like electing our mayor; it's about how our rates are spent, how our infrastructure is maintained, how emergencies are planned for, and so on. In order for local government to be truly reflective of the Wellington we want now and in the future, we need local government officials who represent our diverse range of concerns, opinions and beliefs. What you want for Wellington might differ from what I want, but the best way to make it happen is to vote.

Caitlin, 21

Why do you vote? 
In my opinion, it’s a privilege to vote.

Why should other people vote? 
Everyone’s opinions matter. Vote for what benefits you and not what other people want you to vote for – that’s what the elections are there for!

Ray, 34

Why do you vote? 
I vote to exercise my right that I am given as a citizen of Aotearoa. 

I vote because this is my opportunity to give my feedback on who I feel is fit to lead our country. 

I vote so that my choice is considered in the grand scheme of things.

Why should other people vote? 
I believe local elections are more important than party votes, as the successfully elected individual becomes the spokesperson for our communities. The elected person is our voice to the powers that be in government on what our community needs, they are our person that we entrust to really have our best interest at heart and listen to our opinions on any or what changes we need locally. In order to make a change we need to be heard. In order to be heard, we all need to vote. Hence why voting should never be seen as a chore but a blessing that we have this right.

In the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing more stories in our Elections 101 series, so you can make informed decisions about the elections.  By giving a toss about your local elections, you are having your say about how you want your city to look, and what you want us to focus on in the future.

Get started by checking you are enrolled to vote through enrol.nz.