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Young voters could be the tidal wave of the cannabis referendum in this election.
People have been able to cast their vote on the Cannabis Control and Legalization Bill referendum since the polls opened on October 3.
Young people have generally had the lowest voter registration and participation rates, but New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Ross Bell said there were signs this was changing.
As of October 15, 77.3 percent of 18-24 year olds had registered to vote, up from 72.9 percent at the same time before the 2017 election, with 262,624 voters increasing to 281,993.
Similarly, registrations of 25-29 year olds had increased from 77.54 percent to 81.20 percent, with 262,624 voters increasing to 281,993.
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Grant Matthew / Stuff
The referendum on the legalization and control of cannabis will be decided in the next elections. (File photo)
Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick has seen a “huge increase” in youth participation in politics, from college students, first-time voters, to 14-17 year olds who can’t even vote.
Bell attributed this increase to the cannabis referendum and believed that the “only way” the bill was passed was with a young voter turnout.
He was sure they would come to the party; Typically indifferent and “turned off by politics,” this referendum had a direct impact on them.
“They are fed up with older people making decisions that affect their lives.”
Cameron Burnell / Stuff
The director of the NZ Drug Foundation, Ross Bell, believes that the referendum on the legalization and control of cannabis will not pass without the participation of young people.
“It would be really upsetting if this problem was decided by an older generation, who are not so affected.”
The University of Otago (CHDS) Christchurch Health and Development Study reported that less than 20 percent of those who started using cannabis before the age of 15 achieved a tertiary degree.
They also found that teens who used cannabis at least once a week were three times more likely to experience long-term unemployment.
Long-time cannabis legalization advocate Blair Anderson said that cannabis legalization could allow for greater control and protection for young people who are “most at risk.”
Voter Antony Morris will present his ballot for the first time, despite being of legal age in the last election.
Thought catalog
The referendum on legalization and control will decide whether the prohibition of cannabis will be lifted (File photo).
The 23-year-old had not previously been interested in politics, but recently became embroiled in political discussions.
“I am voting in favor because I personally know a lot of people who would benefit from legalization,” he said.
“Currently, the costs of medicinal CBD and THC oils are so high that most people cannot afford them and they are not subsidized. [so] it can cost between $ 100 and $ 400 for a month’s supply. “
“I think that regardless of whether it is legal, it will continue to be used to the same extent, so why not regulate and tax it to benefit everyone?”
Supplied
Celeste Van der Meel votes for the first time in favor of the bill to legalize and control cannabis.
First-time voter Celeste Van der Meel, 19, would also vote “yes” in the referendum.
Van der Meel believed that the proposed legislation would mean less prison time for people of color, tax benefits, less money spent on surveillance and more drug control.
Swarbrick believed that the current state of prohibition showed problems with racism and excessive surveillance of Maori, as well as a “deep-rooted” war on drugs that has caused more problems than it has solved.
“This is not a problem about the existence of cannabis, but about how we control it,” he said.
Tim Onnes / Supplied
Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick believes the cannabis referendum could change the way the drug is controlled.
Van der Meel shared Bell’s confidence in the youth vote.
“I think a lot more young people will come forward to vote,” he said.
Even if the younger demographic doesn’t show up at the polls, I was still hopeful that the referendum would pass.
“A lot of the older generation I know will vote in favor.”
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick says she has spoken with parents and grandparents who are ready for a change in cannabis prohibition.
Swarbrick said the demographics showed a generational divide, but he had spoken with parents and grandparents willing to take a different approach to the ban.
Bell wasn’t so sure the bill would pass without a vote from the youth and urged parents to encourage first-time voters to get out there and get involved.
“The bill is so strict that every vote counts,” he said.
People can vote in the referendum as part of the general elections until Saturday, October 17.
