It was also the first time that one of my children were of age to be able to vote and since we do talk politics at home with differing views on who we support and which party we vote for, it's neat to be able to listen to the other perspectives and agree or disagree without going into a fully-fledged war.
This was also the first time that we've had two important referendum topics to consider voting on and there have been some important discussions had over the differing views and beliefs that family members have had over the end of life and the cannabis debate.
This pic I took was at the polling booth before I voting and what was so interesting was that despite all the talk that was going on with the media about the varying debates going on between parties, I'm one of those voters who exercises my vote having watched, listened, considered the political landscape and who I was going to vote on long before going to the voting booth.
So it only becomes a tick box exercise for me as all the considerations had been done months and years before. But I'm also aware that there are many who aren't sure and not always interested in the political discussions that go on for us as a nation and that's fine too but difficult when you choose not to vote as that allows others (the majority) to define what that looks like.
It's been an interesting journey since growing into understanding the voting process and the background of NZ politics but also empowering in no longer allowing 'others' i.e. the majority to lay claims so that their voice is loudest.
In being aware of what's going on allows us to share knowledge with those around us but then to ultimately allow them to make decisions for themselves. This time tomorrow we will know where NZ is steering. May the journey go well...
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