Everyone should have their say and vote, according to politically savvy students at Mount Maunganui Intermediate.

Ahead of Election Day on Saturday, October 14, schools around the country have had the opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to vote, holding their very own mock elections. The Electoral Commission sent school’s mock voting papers with parties and candidates from their local electorates – allowing students to vote for real life candidates. One Mount Maunganui class were among those taking part.

Mount Maunganui Intermediate team leader Wendy Tuck says students of today are our future leaders and decision makers.

“The upcoming elections provide rich and authentic learning about why to vote, how our political system works, and the values underpinning different political parties,” says Wendy.

“Everyone has a say”

So what do intermediate kids think of New Zealand’s democratic political system? Twelve-year-old Mount Maunganui students, Autumn Parchomchuk, Amelia Joynt, Nico Wilson and Lilly Akagi shared their thoughts. “It’s pretty organised and people can clearly say what they want,” says Autumn. Nico describes our political system as “equal.” He says: “It’s good it’s not limited to certain people, like anyone can vote if they’re of age.” “Everyone has a say of what they want,” says Lilly, “instead of just one group of people,” adds Amelia.

When asked whether it’s important to vote, there was a unanimous “yes” among the group.

“Everyone can have a say. It should be a whole community exercise not just one group of people, so it’s important for everybody to vote for what they believe in,” says Autumn. “Everyone might have a different opinion so it’s good to see,” says Amelia.

18 and overs

As 12 year-olds, the group agreed that they will all be voting when they’re eligible at 18. “It’s kind of like a rite of passage to being an adult voting,” says Nico.  “I want to have a say in what’s happening with the country. I want to be able to put in my opinion,” says Autumn. “I’m agreeing with her –having my say and like, being a part of it,” says Lilly.

With voting just around the corner, these future voters have some advice for those eligible in our community too. “Don’t get bribed into voting for someone bad,” says Nico, with Autumn noting you should “vote for yourself”.

“Vote for what you think and not anyone else’s opinion,” says Lilly. Amelia Joynt agrees saying: “Stick with your own opinion”.