Famous faces get involved in push for young voters' turnout

There's a big push underway to get young people voting in this year's local body elections.

History tells us only four out of 10 people actually vote so Local Government New Zealand's enlisted the help of some big names to change that.

And councils are creating some pretty out there campaigns.

No, it's not a trailer for a horror film, it's Palmerston North City Council's latest social media attempt to get people to vote - featuring electoral mascot 'Orange Guy'. It's prompting fears for what will happen if you don't.

"Orange man is not coming for people. It's just a fun way to get people to talk about the elections and get them to really realise how important they are," said Palmerston North City Council communications advisor Olivia Wix.

In fact, social media - particularly TikTok - is fast becoming a place for councils and candidates to engage with their young constituents.

It's also where famous faces, like Benee and Muroki, are encouraging fans to get involved.

"We need everyone to vote to build the most active and inclusive local democracy," Benee said.

With their help Local Government NZ (LGNZ) is on a campaign for a better turnout this year.

"There's this perception that local elections are for people who own houses and pay rates and actually that's not the case," LGNZ chief executive Susanne Freeman-Greene said.

"We always get a really big vote from those who are older and there's a gap from those who are younger and we're really pushing that, we want people to vote in their first and second elections, because actually research tells us, that's how people keep voting," added Wellington City Council democracy services manager Jennifer Parker.

And research also shows that young people in bigger cities are less engaged than those in rural areas.

Hence the push on social and better access to ballot boxes in places like supermarkets and dairies.

And there's hope the targeted campaigns and increasing number of young candidates will boost voter turnout. Or else.