For those of you who follow Aussie politics and are gripped by the scenario across the ditch, there’s going to be an internet streamed live debate (2.15pm WednesdayNZ time) amongst the independents who hold the power balance.
To access it go here.
I’ve blogged about GetUp before. They do good stuff
If more people express their views, believe that they will be heard and that they can get involved and make a difference then we will have a healthier more participative society. Yes?
That’s one of my reasons for standing as a member of parliament. To try to break down the cynicism that people feel towards politics and politicians. It’s one of the goals of OpenLabourNZ.
Exercising your vote is an important way to express your views. Currently, in New Zealand, it’s not compulsory. It is compulsory to be on the electoral roll.
But quite a lot of people aren’t. For various reasons. Why then shouldn’t we make it easier for them? Currently you can enrol and change your details online, but you have to print off the fom, sign it and post to Elections NZ (the Electoral Commission). You can’t vote online.
In Australia, where’ there’s about to be a federal election, where it is compulsory to vote and the rolls are about to close, the Australian Electoral Commission is refusing to allow people to enrol online. An activist group called GetUp is taking them to court .
The activist group GetUp! is taking legal action to push its case that would-be voters should be able to enrol on the internet after the Australian Electoral Commission said it would reject voters who used the group’s enrolment tool.
The commission has warned that voters who have changed address have until 8pm today to update their details.
The GetUp! enrolment website OzEnrol.com, launched last Friday, allowed people to fill in an enrolment form online, using their mouse or trackpad to sign their name.
But the commission said the “digitally constructed” signature was not allowed under electoral law, making such enrolments invalid.
I believe we should be trying new ways and making it easier for people to be more actively involved and to exercise their democratic rights. It seems arcane to prevent them from participing in the democratic process. It’s not impossible surely! With appropriate security safeguards of course.
Something for us to consider? And why not be able to vote online?
