An Absolutely Biased Guide to Voting in the Auckland Local Elections 2022
It is a bit early to know for sure what will be the most frequently asked questions about the voting guide given I have only just announced that I will be writing it again. However, I can make a good guess at what sort of questions may be asked.
Who is funding you?
Like every article I write for the Insight Politics subscriber-only section, I am being paid by thebfd.co.nz. Also, just like every article I write for Insight Politics, I have free rein to make the recommendations I think are appropriate without interference.
How can I read the Absolutely Biased Guide to Voting?
By purchasing a Silver Membership or higher from thebfd.co.nz. It goes into production as soon as the candidate statements are made available online in mid-August.
Isn’t this a conspiracy by the Act party to influence the results of the local body elections?
The Act party has better things to do. Aside from being a member of Act, I have no other involvement.
Aren’t you an Australian?
I’m not in the habit of identifying as a person living within a particular nation’s borders. I’m an individual. While I do now live in Australia, I’m still a New Zealand citizen and I will be voting in the Auckland Local Body Elections.
What business is it of yours how people vote in the Auckland Local Elections?
How people choose to vote is none of my business. I’m not asking them who they’re voting for.
How many election contests will the Absolutely Biased Guide to Voting cover?
The Portage and Waitakere Licencing Trusts, Mayor, thirteen Council wards and twenty-one local boards. These will be published across fifteen articles:
- The Portage and Waitakere Licencing Trusts
- Each Council ward and the associated Local Boards
- The Mayoralty
Are you sure you will manage to cover all those races?
In 2019, I ran out of time and left out a few Local Boards. I was also employed full-time in addition to my voluntary work for the Act party. This time I am dedicating myself to working full-time on the Voting Guide until it is completed. Voting papers will be sent out from September 16 and I anticipate being finished well before then.
Aren’t you violating my democratic rights by telling me how to vote?
The entire election process is voters being told how to vote by politicians, media, lobby groups and even your friends or neighbours. You don’t have to follow my advice. You don’t have to vote at all!
What do you think should be done to lift voter turnout?
Nothing. If people choose to not vote, that’s their business. Leave them alone.
Why are you being so rude about some of the candidates? Isn’t this the reason why so few people stand for election?
Some of the candidates are idiots. Some of the candidates make promises it isn’t legally possible for them to deliver. Some of the candidates are pretty horrible people. Virtually all the candidates want to use your rates to fund things you don’t support and pass by-laws you don’t want.
I’d say that is much worse than a few mean words in an online article. However, if online comments are dissuading people from becoming politicians, let’s have more online comments!
Do I detect a strong right-wing bias?
Most definitely. There is nothing politically neutral about this voting guide.
What qualifies you to write a voting guide?
I’ve stood for public office seven times, can read and write and, unlike many of the candidates, know the relevant legislation inside-out.
Who are you voting for?
I genuinely haven’t decided and won’t know for sure until I complete the voting guide myself.
If people have any other questions. Please comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them.