Key Takeaways
- The Electoral Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, introducing changes to New Zealand’s electoral system
- The bill ends same-day voter enrolment, allows for larger anonymous political donations, bans prisoners from voting, and clarifies the ban on giving out food at voting places
- The changes have been criticized by Te Pāti Māori and the Human Rights Commission, who argue that they will disproportionately affect Māori, Pasifika, and young people
- The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming election, with late voters tend to vote left
- The government argues that the changes are necessary to reduce the strain on the electoral system, but critics say they will manipulate the election result and lock out marginalized voices
Introduction to the Electoral Amendment Bill
The Electoral Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, marking a significant change to New Zealand’s electoral system. The bill, which was debated late into the night by MPs, including Green MP for Wellington Central Tamatha Paul and MP for Hauraki-Waikato, has introduced several changes that have been met with criticism from various groups. The changes include ending same-day voter enrolment, allowing for larger anonymous political donations, banning prisoners from voting, and clarifying the ban on giving out food at voting places. These changes have been defended by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, who argues that they are necessary to reduce the strain on the electoral system.
Criticism of the Bill
However, not everyone is convinced that the changes are necessary or fair. Te Pāti Māori has already stated that it would repeal the bill if it is in power after the next election, arguing that the bill is not about expediting elections, but rather "manipulating the election result" and "locking out Māori, Pasifika, and rangitahi voices". The Human Rights Commission has also been critical of the policy, saying that closing enrolment early would create a barrier to voting affecting particularly younger people, Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian communities. This criticism is significant, as these groups have historically been underrepresented in the electoral process, and the changes may further exacerbate this issue.
Impact on Marginalized Communities
The changes introduced by the bill are likely to have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, including Māori, Pasifika, and young people. Traditionally, late voters have tended to vote left, and the ending of same-day voter enrolment may prevent many of these voters from having their say. This could have significant consequences for the outcome of the election, as these groups have historically been a key demographic for left-leaning parties. Furthermore, the ban on giving out food at voting places may also disproportionately affect these communities, as they may rely on these services to access voting stations.
Government’s Perspective
Despite the criticism, the government argues that the changes are necessary to reduce the strain on the electoral system. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has stated that late enrolment placed too much strain on the system, and that the changes will help to streamline the electoral process. Goldsmith has also argued that New Zealanders have plenty of time to get organised and enrolled, and that the changes will not disproportionately affect any particular group. However, this perspective has been disputed by critics, who argue that the changes will have a significant impact on marginalized communities and will manipulate the election result.
Conclusion and Future Implications
In conclusion, the Electoral Amendment Bill has introduced significant changes to New Zealand’s electoral system, which have been met with criticism from various groups. The changes have the potential to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including Māori, Pasifika, and young people, and may manipulate the election result. As the country moves towards the next election, it will be important to monitor the impact of these changes and ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the democratic process. The government’s perspective on the changes has been defended, but it remains to be seen whether the changes will have the desired effect of streamlining the electoral process, or whether they will have unintended consequences that undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
