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by Scott Stevens

As the great English Philosopher Ricky Gervais once said - by asking every person’s opinion on complex social and political matters by way of a vote, the democratic system is destined to fail. Gervais goes on to hypothesise a scenario where the warning labels “do not drink” on bleach bottles is removed. Within two years, society’s average intellect will increase remarkably, reflected in their choice for government. Smart decisions are made and society thrives.

This is the paradox of democracy; a well informed and researched vote holding the same sway in forming the next government as that of someone who needs a warning label on bleach to survive. Yet still, a free and fair democracy where every person’s vote holds the same weight - the greatest privilege we could have.

There are two important dates coming up this week. Election day on Saturday 7 November, and then a few days later, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, one particularly important reason we have the privilege of voting for our next government. Armistice Day.

Sadly, the end of WW1 was not the end of the fight for democracy. Heroic New Zealanders have been fighting and dying for it ever since. The least we can do as benefactors of this sacrifice is get off Netflix for 2 minutes, respect the democratic system and those who fought for it, and cast a vote based on at least 2 minutes of research. In doing so, you have lifted the average intelligence of the voting public above the “do not drink” threshold. Congratulations. Now go ahead and vote.

You can cast your vote now, tomorrow and any time before 7 pm on Saturday 7 November. Personally, I like the theatre of lining up on polling day and having my details confirmed, putting my mark on the ballot like a secret squirrel behind the little cardboard stands. After all the political noise and campaigning, the polling booth is free from persuasion and judgement. Only you and the person who counted the vote will know.

Do not ask me and I will not ask you. Our votes hold the same sway and I’m more than ok with that. It is the right way a society should be. On polling day we are all equal. It will annoy me if I find out someone who needed that warning label telling them not to drink bleach cancelled my vote out. But that is the paradox of democracy. All I can hope for is most New Zealanders make an intelligent informed decision in the privacy of that cardboard polling booth.