Election Etiquette

The general election is being held this Saturday, September 20 an opinions and in some cases, tempers are running high. Social media and email is full of opinion and everyone’s version of ‘the facts’.

Your political views can be incredibly personal, so this week is a good time to examine political etiquette. 

The good news is, we live in a country where every vote counts, and is equal to that of all citizens. we are all absolutely entitled to our political beliefs, however we come by them.

What is important to remember however, is that while lively political debate can be stimulating and though provoking, no one has the right to berate, denigrate or otherwise belittle others for their beliefs. It is fine to respectfully disagree with friends and relatives about their political choice, but you don’t the have the right to demand they agree with you.

Regular contributors to our discussions on GrownUps will know how heated the political threads can become, and that the administrator has to step in sometimes when the content becomes inappropriate or offensive. 

You are also under no obligation to divulge who you chose to vote for, not to your spouse, guests at a dinner party or a poll-taker on the street. 

This weekend, many social gatherings will include a political component. Once the votes have been cast, it is up to the collective view of the country to determine the outcome, and taking it personally or falling out with friends will not change that.  

If you feel strongly politically, the most important thing you can do, is vote. If you are still undecided, seek as broad a range of information as possible. Headlines may grab your attention, but they do not tell the full story. Nor, for that matter will one article or news programme. 

Voting is open now. Make sure that if there is any chance you will be overcommitted on Saturday, that you cast your vote before election day. If you are less mobile, or require extra assistance, seek help to vote before you have to line up with the crowds on Saturday.

Regardless of the outcome, New Zealand is a wonderful place to live and raise families. Let’s all do our part to keep it that way!