Youth Vote Disengagement

Young people feel disconnected from politics due to lack of political education and limited engagement from politicians.

“Baddies vote.”

Enrolment Statistics

As of 1 September, 62.16 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds were enrolled to vote, leaving over 166,000 people off the electoral roll.

Māori Voter Participation

Only 50.4 percent of rangatahi Māori were enrolled, according to Māori Voter Participation data.

Political Misconceptions

Politicians often use young people as tools without meaningfully engaging with their concerns.

Youth Voice Matters

Young people believe their voices count and that voting ensures their future decisions are represented.

Māori Political Obligation

Rangatahi Māori have an obligation to future generations to make rangatira decisions and be good ancestors.

“We do have an obligation to our mokopuna, to our tamariki, to the generation that is to come.”

Civics Education Gap

New Zealand lacks mandatory civics education, leaving young people unfamiliar with how Parliament works and voting processes.

Youth-Led Movements

Youth-led movements like climate strikes show young people care about issues affecting their futures.

Voting as Responsibility

Young people must vote to ensure their voices are heard and decisions shaping their futures are representative.

“We have to stand up and we have to vote because at the end of the day, how do we be good ancestors?”

Enrolment Deadline

Eligible voters must enrol or update their details by midnight on October 25 to vote in the 2026 general election.