Election 2011

Everyone has the right to vote and to play their part in electing the New Zealand Government in the next election on Saturday 26 November. All people with intellectual disability aged 18 and over have the right to vote and have their say on the issues that are important to them.

People with intellectual disability have the same issues as everyone else in the community, such as transport, employment and education.

The IHC Call to Action 2008 document contains a summary of the situation as it was for people with an intellectual disability and their families in New Zealand in 2008 and the policies IHC thought were needed to bring about change. Unfortunately the situation for disabled people has not changed. IHC is therefore renewing our call to action.

IHC believes that the situation is particularly critical for children with disabilities and their families. The IHC Call to Action for Children contains a summary of the significant issues that families with a disabled child face and what we think urgently needs to happen to bring about change.

Call to Action for Children 2011
Call to Action 2008
Call to Action 2008 (easy read version)

What can I do?

Get people enrolled

The most important thing is to get people on the electoral roll. Are your workmates, family members and friends enrolled? Electoral rolls with the details of everyone enrolled can be viewed at local Post Shops, public libraries, Registrar of Electors offices and district courthouses or online at www.elections.org.nz.

Find out the facts

• What are the issues that affect people with an intellectual disability and their families?
• What has the current Government achieved?
• Where do the parties stand on the issues that matter?

Write letters to your local paper

From now until Election Day newspapers will feature information and stories about the elections. Parties will be trying to promote their policies.
Letters supporting policies that will make a difference for people with an intellectual disability and their families are important.

Have your say at candidates’ meetings

Many people who attend candidates’ meetings are undecided about which party and local candidate to vote for.

Prepare questions about issues which affect people with an intellectual disability, your family and community. Encourage supporters to go with you.

Have your say on radio talkback

If you are a radio talk back listener the policies and issues which affect people with an intellectual disability and their families are being discussed, pick up the phone and get some facts into the debate.

Have your own association forum or meeting

Families or people with an intellectual disability in your area could be undecided about who to vote for and unclear on the policies of parties for the election. Invite candidates to speak at an Association forum or meeting.

It you are having a forum or meeting you may like to take the opportunity to distribute other advocacy material such as advocacy toolkits or pocket sized guides. Contact advocacy@ihc.org.nz for order forms or resources.

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and online forums on sites such as Trademe are the main sources of information for many New Zealanders.

Become a friend of IHC on Facebook and link your friends to the IHC facebook page. Most current Members of Parliament and candidates have a Facebook page that you can “friend” and you can follow them on Twitter. Political parties have discussion forums that you can join and raise topics on. Participate in the candidate’s online forums by asking questions about the issues for people with an intellectual disability, disabled children and their families.

Make sure people vote

It is really important that those on the roll vote. It is easy to arrange for people to vote prior to election day if they cannot make it on 26 November. Go to www.elections.org.nz for more information.