Text messaging to enrol brings huge response

The traditionally reluctant voting group of late teens and early 20s are being encouraged to enrol via a new text-messaging option.

The Electoral Enrolment Centre has received nearly 18,000 free text requests for enrolment packs since its national drive began on May 2.

In just two weeks, text messaging has far outstripped requests to the 0800 number and downloads from the elections.org.nz website.

The centre has received more than 27,000 requests for enrolment packs - more than double the 13,000 received in the first two weeks of the 2002 drive.

Enrolment centre national manager Murray Wicks is pleasantly surprised. He said the centre decided to include texting as a means of attracting more young people to enrol.

Based on sampling taken in 2002, over 90 per cent of those who request a pack actually enrol.

* Enrolment forms can be obtained by free texting your name and address to 3676, by calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 367 656), by visiting any Post Shop or online on www.elections.org.nz