Future elections

[Big Dave]

Do you think that one day in the future we'll be able to 'log on', SMS or whatever emerging technologies might bring - and vote on individual legislation and decisions ourselves.

Or is human nature such that elected representatives will never let that happen.

[Cajun]

elected representatives do themselfs out of jobs, and the high wages they get

and they whine that the people who can't afford the technologies will miss out on voting,

[oldrider]

Do you think that one day in the future we'll be able to 'log on', SMS or whatever emerging technologies might bring - and vote on individual legislation and decisions ourselves.

Or is human nature such that elected representatives will never let that happen.

You have nswered your own question Dave! :argh: Cheers John.

[madandy]

Even if a petition collected the necessary signatures to request a referendum would the pricks agree to let things go that far?

I think its a great idea though!

[Big Dave]

elected representatives do themselfs out of jobs, and the high wages they get

and they whine that the people who can't afford the technologies will miss out on voting,

I did a few job ads aimed at 'lower socio-economic' groups and the employment agency insisted on txt capability for applications.

Claimed that was now the best method in the demographic.

[Finn]

NZ Government and IT don't mix. It would be a disaster.

[FJRider]

Only if everybody that are eligible to vote, have their own personal ID card/number (able to be accessed by all goverment departments) with access to any online computer (i.e. Post Office or similar Agency). The resulting anti-big brother/civil libertys groups actions would be "loud"

[Krayy]

Plus, you can't fake the results of an election if there is an electronic record accessible by the phone companies. How else would La-baa keep power if they can't do rorts?

P.S. I read Absolute Power last month and it made me ANGRY!!!!!

[Swoop]

The simple fact that a referendum could be held regularly, and with little espense, would mean that we could do away with 90% of politicians.

So it will never happen. Unfortunately.

[riffer]

Bad idea.

Open to manipulation by electronic terrorism (either within or without).

[Flatcap]

If you are too lazy to go to a polling booth you shouldn't be able to vote

[FJRider]

Even if a petition collected the necessary signatures to request a referendum would the pricks agree to let things go that far?

I think its a great idea though!

This subject is no different to "other" changes to current policy and practices of goverment departments, that many want changed.

If change is wanted...vote for change.

Majority rule... right ???

[Street Gerbil]

Are we short on conspiracy theories as it is? Do we want lefties to yelp "stolen elections" like they do in the US?

[Big Dave]

Now that I think about it - Robin Willaims movie - Man of the Hour.

[jrandom]

Whilst our politicians are undoubtedly somewhat evil and self-serving, I shudder to think of the effect that opening individual policy decisions to the Average Kiwi Voter (tm) would have.

I'll take malice over stupidity any day.

[Big Dave]

The elected representatives and the Westminster system evolved because the individual could not make their own representations to the Parliament. It was formulated by the quill and scroll and the news traveled on horseback.

Modern communications are somewhat different.

[Chrislost]

If you are too lazy to go to a polling booth you shouldn't be able to vote

You have to make it easier for YOUR voters to get to the polling booths!
Do you know how hard it is for a solo mother, with 7 kids, who is finally old enough to vote, to find time to get to the polling booth?


Same goes if you loose power in an election...

[Big Dave]

The none of us is as stupid as all of us rule.

[Flatcap]

Do you know how hard it is for a solo mother, with 7 kids, who is finally old enough to vote, to find time to get to the polling booth?


How does one have seven children before reaching voting age without being a Labrador?

[jrandom]

The none of us is as stupid as all of us rule.

Whilst generally true, I'm pretty sure I could find at least four exceptions to that rule on KB.

[jrandom]

How does one have seven children before reaching voting age without being a Labrador?

You left "... or a beneficiary under Labour" off the end of that sentence.

:niceone:

[Usarka]

NZ Government and IT don't mix. It would be a disaster.

As opposed to the NZ government without IT? :sherlock:

[MSTRS]

Govt of the people, for the people...yes...but...by the people?? Nah. Only in the movies. And Labour Party propaganda leaflets.

[NinjaNanna]

YES we should be able to vote electronically, if the internet is secure enough for our banking then it's sure as hell secure enough for a Referendum.

In this day an age paper voting is not only wasteful of time, money and natural resource - it is also a restriction of our rights.

Why should I not be able to directly say for or against any contentious legislation such Anti Smacking or the Electoral Finance Bill amoungst others.

And in response to the arguement of malice over stupidity, I would fully support an online test that you must pass before your vote counts.

The test must be neutral and only designed to ensure that a voter understands the underlying issues. It should be written for Joe Public not a political science major.

This I believe would be the ultimate system, it would be a very cheap and practical initiative in which NZ could lead the world.

PS Voter ID should be your IRD number, if your not paying taxes you don't get a say!

I'd vote for any government that promised this even if it meant changing my vote to Labour (heaven forbid)

By the way I'm 30 so not one of the TXT generation.

[FJRider]

YES we should be able to vote electronically, if the internet is secure enough for our banking then it's sure as hell secure enough for a Referendum.

In this day an age paper voting is not only wasteful of time, money and natural resource - it is also a restriction of our rights.

Why should I not be able to directly say for or against any contentious legislation such Anti Smacking or the Electoral Finance Bill amoungst others.

And in response to the arguement of malice over stupidity, I would fully support an online test that you must pass before your vote counts.

The test must be neutral and only designed to ensure that a voter understands the underlying issues. It should be written for Joe Public not a political science major.

This I believe would be the ultimate system, it would be a very cheap and practical initiative in which NZ could lead the world.

PS Voter ID should be your IRD number, if your not paying taxes you don't get a say!

I'd vote for any government that promised this even if it meant changing my vote to Labour (heaven forbid)

By the way I'm 30 so not one of the TXT generation.

Banking systems are only as secure as the controls the bank puts in place to cover all KNOWN eventualities. Money still goes missing.

Its only a waste of time if the same party gets back IN !!!

How about online tests for the drivers licence ????

Understanding underlying issues ??? Many don't understand the road rules !!!