OPINION: Not Keen on Either Chris? That’s Fine, You Still Have Options

Words by Zoë Mills (they/she) 

Whether you're a politics nerd like me, or someone who can't stand it, I think that we can all agree that this election has been one of the most dry, bland, and uninspiring contests of recent years. 

We’ve got a choice between Chris and Chris for PM; one with hair, and one with considerably less hair; a seasoned politician and a seasoned businessman. The same lines are recited and the same pandering becomes easy to see through. ‘Does it really matter which Chris gets my vote?’ I pondered after the leaders’ debate last week. Chris with hair had some good points, but Chris with no hair also managed to get in some zingers. 

Not to mention the looming dread of climate change, the cost of living, the struggling health sector, the housing crisis… I totally understand if you’re feeling unmotivated to cast a ballot. But this is also exactly why I’m voting, and why I urge you to do the same. 

Our MMP electoral system means that every single vote—particularly minor party votes—matter, especially in terms of forming coalition governments. Although it’s a common misconception, a vote for a minor party isn’t a wasted vote! The presence of minor parties in government can influence major parties to focus on specific policy issues that might otherwise go ignored. 

While I'm not out here telling you that a minor party vote is the only vote, I am telling you that it’s totally normal to not feel fully aligned with the major parties, and that you do have other options besides the Chrises. 

Voter turnout amongst 18-24 year olds is the lowest out of all age groups, with only 78.02% of young people in the age group actually turning up to vote in the last general election. In comparison, 89.14% of 65-69-year-olds voted, as did 86.82% of people over 70. Your landlord will vote. So will your boss, and so will your parents. Why is their vote any more important than yours?

While no political party is perfect, the only way to guarantee a government that represents all of us equitably and fairly is by casting a ballot for the people that you believe best represent you, and what you care about. 

There’s no time like the present to exercise your democratic right. Go vote!!