Knowing the Government can, and will, ignore the result will probably have an effect on this referendum, especially since Meridian has now been sold. The turnout will probably be low.
Another disturbing aspect of citizens-initiated referendums is that the Government, through the Electoral Commission, has made no attempt to educate or inform voters of the pros and cons of the issues.
Under the law, for a citizens-initiated referendum the Electoral Commission is only permitted to send voters a voting paper and information on the voting process - not on the issues behind the vote. If we are to take our democratic system seriously and ensure voters are fully informed, it would seem vital that the Electoral Commission produce an official referendum pamphlet and website to explain both sides of the issue.
In Switzerland, which has a robust direct democracy system that runs parallel with their representative system, all voters are provided with an official referendum pamphlet at least three months before the vote.
Studies have shown voters rely heavily on such information, alongside heuristic cues from people and organisations they trust.
Such a pamphlet would enable voters to to debate it among friends, family and workmates at a more informed level, therefore making an informed decision.
It is easy for political pundits and politicians such as Whanganui MP Chester Borrows to suggest people are not voting because "we are all a pretty apathetic bunch", but a rational voter is justified in concluding voting is a waste of time.
Maybe we expect more from our political system than casting one vote every three years, and when we are not given the opportunity to mould our destiny in specific referendums we give up in disgust.
Democracy is not just about "elect me, I know what's best for you", it's about having a say on issues that often affect all of us. The same can be said for free/conscience votes in Parliament - who cares what John Key or Chester Borrows thinks? What is important is what the majority of their constituents think.
Given our history of the voters' wishes being ignored, it seems the Government is not taking our democracy seriously.
So, Chester (and your cronies in Wellington), don't belittle us by denying us our democratic rights, and do not assume we are too apathetic and ill-informed to make sensible decisions. Dwell on the words of American President Thomas Jefferson: "I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with whole-some discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education."
Steve Baron is a Wanganui-based political scientist, co-editor of the book "People Power" and the founder of Better Democracy NZ.
