#designdem

We are very happy to find On the Fence making a considerable impact on youth voters, and to have the research that shows it!

Poll confirms web tool encouraged youth to vote

“More than 10,000 young people aged between 18 and 34 were influenced to vote in last year’s general election by the efforts of an interactive web tool designed by Massey University graduates.

A Horizon Research survey of voting behaviour at last September’s election showed that On The Fence was the most effective initiative focused on increasing youth voter turnout.

The survey asked eligible voters whether they were aware of the Virgin Voter Collective campaign to raise youth voter participation, and which initiatives influenced their decision to vote.

The Design & Democracy Project featured on this really interesting article by Radio New Zealand's Wireless team, discussing Ask Away, On The Fence and 21st Century citizenship. 

“When Elle Hunt and I were making a documentary for Radio New Zealand Insight (which you can listen to below) about the reasons young people don’t vote, we were struck by how many people said they didn’t feel there was enough information available to help them make a decision.

There are now dozens of different ways to find information, not to mention directly contact political parties and candidates. For all but a few of us, researching and assessing political views is easier than it has ever been before.” 

Ask Away is teaming up with The Wireless so you can ask those questions directly to the politicians. In the weeks leading up to the election, The Wireless will be featuring the trending questions, and highlighting the issues that people are interested in, all via Ask Away.