Voting Right

Listen to the first news item, up to 1:48.

Words

• If you can have your say, you get a chance to say how you think about things.
• The people who dictate policy are the people who determine the ideas or plans that are used as a basis for making decisions.
• Long-term issues are important subjects that are relevant for a long period of time.
• A court case is a legal action, when an issue is brought before a judge and then the judge takes a decision about it.
• The Supreme Court is the highest court of law in a country.

Assignment

1. What is the main point of the news item?
   a      In New Zealand, the voting age is under discussion. It may be lowered from 18 to 16.
   b      New Zealand’s Prime Minister made a campaign promise to lower the voting age to 16.
   c       The Parliament of New Zealand is going to discuss some legislation for the government.
   d      The people of New Zealand have asked to lower the voting age to 16, just as in all countries.

2. What is makeit16nz?
   a      A hashtag people in New Zealand are using to promote a lower voting age.
   b      A website where people can have their say about the voting age in New Zealand.
   c       An app for people in New Zealand who are asking to lower the voting age.
   d      An organisation in New Zealand that is asking to lower the voting age.

3. Why does Caeden want to lower the voting age?
   a      Because 16- and 17-year-olds in Australia are already allowed to vote. And they are practically New Zealand’s neighbours.
   b      Because 16- and 17-year-olds take part in society already. They are also impacted by the decisions the government makes.
   c       Because decisions on long-term issues will impact the life of young people. So they should be the first ones to have their say on these issues.
   d      Because many 16- and 17-year-olds can drive and work and sometimes leave school. And they are all passionate about paying taxes.