Guest blog: New Zealand First MP Tracey Martin

I don’t happen to care who residents and citizens vote for. 

Well, ok to some extent I do because I obviously believe strongly in the policies that I and my party stand for, I believe strongly that our policies will provide a better now and future for my country and my community, which includes my mother (older generation), husband (current generation), children (next generation) and my yet to be born grandchildren (future generation).  But at the end of the day I believe in democracy. 

I believe in the ability to debate, without violence, different perspectives.  I believe in the ability of every citizen to express their vote in confidence, without fear of reprisal, regardless of whether it is a “winning” vote or not.  I am annoyed with those that use the phrase “wasted vote” when suggesting that those of us that wish to vote for a policy or a party that is not perhaps the mainstream. 

A vote is not cast to win!  A vote is cast to make a statement of belief!  And I can tell you from experience that millions more dollars are spent by political parties on trying to find out why residents/citizens did not vote for them than has ever been spent on trying to find out why someone did. 

My advice to the young people is to first of all establish what it is that is important to you.  What do you believe in?  Then once you know what is important to you go and check out every political parties policies on that topic.  Check out the ones around it?  Then decide your vote.  Don’t rely on newspapers or TV reports to tell you what a party stands for, seek this information directly.  Make up your own mind.  Ask questions, debate the topic, leave room to change your view.  Then vote. 

Complain but Vote!  It is once in three years, Vote !