Gangs to vote – a hopeful sign for turnout?

• Anthony R0bins
• 7 years ago
• Categories: democratic participation, election 2017
• Tags: gangs, missing million, turnout

Interesting piece by Maiki Sherman on Newshub yesterday:

Mongrel Mob, Black Power, Nomads, Tribesmen gangs unite to vote

There were unusual scenes in Wainuiomata on Saturday as members of the Mongrel Mob, Black Power, Nomads and the Tribesmen signed up for their right to vote in this year’s general election.

They registered with the electoral commission in a bid to mobilise the ‘gang vote’ ahead of the election in September.

…

Black Power and Mongrel Mob members told Newshub they are voting to make a difference for their families, and for their children to have a better world than what they’ve had.

Is this an isolated case or is it representative of a change of mood in the non-voting electorate? Labour failed to turn out the “missing million” in 2014 – it will be interesting if they put in an appearance this time.