Welcome
With Kids Voting pupils from all over New Zealand will be able to take part in the 2011 general election and referendum on the voting system.
Students vote for real candidates, on a real ballot paper, and compare the results of their classrooms' election with the results of the real election.
Kids Voting is designed to raise awareness among young people about New Zealand's electoral processes. In New Zealand, as in most developed democracies, voter turnout is falling and levels of political engagement are low among young people. Building first-hand experience of active participation by young people will increase their personal understanding, belief and confidence in electoral participation. For background information click here.
This website provides you with information about Kids Voting and how you can be part of it for the 2011 general election and referendum.
Thousands of students across New Zealand have had their say with Kids Voting. Kids Voting ran in conjunction with the local government elections in 2007, parliamentary elections in 2008, an election or referendum on an issue of specific interest to students in 2009, and the 2010 local government elections. To read more about previous years' activities click here.
Kids Voting 2011
Information for councils
Kids Voting is a great opportunity for Councils to encourage electoral participation in your local community by students, their families and whānau.
The materials are free and there is a national coordinator who will be working with you. Your involvement will simply be to encourage the Year Nines in your district or city to get involved.
More information for Councils is available here >>
Kids Voting 2011
Information for teachers
You can conduct a Kids Voting election with your class for the 2011 general election and referendum on the voting system in November 2011. Kids Voting has been designed to fit with the Social Studies curriculum for Year Nine.
You will receive replicas of the ballot papers that adults in your area would receive so you can conduct an election in the week prior to the actual vote. You will also get a ballot box and background information to enhance the experience and learning outcomes. All materials are free.
More information for Teachers is available here >>