Invercargill Ratepayers Happy with Status Quo on Voting Age and FPP System: Poll Results

Mike Sanford

Apr 06, 2023 - 2 min read

In a recent poll conducted by What’s On Invers, Invercargill ratepayers have shown a clear preference for the status quo when it comes to the voting age and electoral system. The poll, which had two questions, asked if the voting age should be lowered to 16 from 18 years and whether the current FPP (First past the post) or STV (Single Transferable Vote) system should be kept.

The results of the poll indicated that Invercargill ratepayers are happy with the current voting age and electoral system. A total of 343 votes were cast, with 94.19% voting to keep the voting age at 18 and 74.21% voting to keep the current FPP system.

The debate about lowering the voting age has been a topic of discussion for many years, with some arguing that 16-year-olds should be given the right to vote as they are old enough to drive and pay taxes. However, the majority of Invercargill ratepayers feel that 18 is an appropriate age for voting.

Poll results, when asked whether the current FPP (First past the post) or STV (Single Transferable Vote) system should be kept. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz

Similarly, the debate about the electoral system has been ongoing, with some arguing that the STV system is more democratic as it allows for greater representation. However, the majority of Invercargill ratepayers feel that the FPP system is sufficient.

Result when asked if the voting age should be lowered to 16 from 18 years. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz

What’s On Invers editor, Mike Sanford, said that the results of the poll were not surprising given the conservative nature of the region. “Invercargill has always been a fairly conservative place, so it’s not surprising that the majority of ratepayers are happy with the current voting age and electoral system,” he said.