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Political rights

Political rights boil down to one thing - your chance to have your say about things that affect you.

There are many ways you can have your say - writing letters to businesses or government groups, organising campaigns, visiting local council and government representatives to talk to them about issues that affect you.

However, most New Zealanders have their say on election day by voting.

Rule 1: Enrol to vote

Everyone over the age of 18 is required to enrol to vote. The right to vote is something that is denied many young people in other countries, yet may young people in this country do not enrol. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote, and traditionally most of us exercise that right.

Some people argue that if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain about government policies. You have every right to complain - but things will only change if you get involved and vote.

Enrol online

Check your eligibility and enrol online at elections.org.nz. Go straight to the enrolment page to find out how to enrol, which roll to choose - Māori or General - and answer frequently asked questions. See also the section Active Voices - guide for the first time voter.

Other options

It's also important to check the roll each election to make sure your details are up to date. Moving house may mean that you move electorates. If you are overseas you can still vote.

If you are unsure about any of the terms used in elections or voting, visit the elections.org.nz glossary for more information.

Voting

In a general election you have two votes - a party vote and an electorate vote.

The party vote helps decide how many seats each party gets. The more party votes a party gets, the more MPs it will have in Parliament.

The electorate vote helps decide who becomes your local Member of parliament. The candidate who gets the most votes wins the seat.

Websites to visit:

* Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa Incorporated
ACYA seeks to promote respect for children and youth and their rights. Youth Zone.
* Aotearoa Youth Voices
Ministry of Youth Affairs site for young people. Details on youth councils, the Youth Parliament and programmes to encourage youth to become politically active.
* District Health Board elections
Information from the Ministry of Health about District Health boards and the election process.
* Drivethru
Have your say about what's happening for youth in Christchurch. Prizes, message boards, what's going on & more.
* Elections New Zealand
Joint website of the Electoral Enrolment Centre, the Chief Electoral Office and the Electoral Commission. Everything you need to know about enrolling and voting.
* Explore Parliament
Educational site that provides information and tutorials about the democratic process in Aotearoa New Zealand
* iVote
Everything you need to know about voting - enrolling, choosing which roll is for you, how to vote in local and national elections.
* Local Government New Zealand
Website for councils around the country - includes maps, statistics and details of local and regional councils around New Zealand.
* Parliament
Official site of the New Zealand Parliament where elected representatives make laws, debate important issues. Keep a watch on Government activity. Includes link to live stream of Parliament TV.
* Child Youth and Family Services
Find out about your rights and what to do about them if they're not being met
* Children's Commissioner
New and updated with legal rights, events, press centre and other links and resources.
* Christchurch City Council
Youth Policy and Strategy
* Decision 08
News, blogs and comment from TV3 about the 2008 General Election.
* Kids Voting
Kids Voting gives Year Nine students the opportunity to participate in an authentic voting experience. Students vote for real candidates, on a real ballot paper, and compare the results from the Kids election with the results of the real election.
* Ministry of Social Development
A government strategy aimed at improving the lives of children.
* Ministry of Youth Development
Policies, programmes, legislation and services that concern young people in NZ
* NZ Legislation
Unofficial versions of public, local and private acts
* TVNZ Election 08
News, blogs and comment from state broadcaster TVNZ.