ACTIVE VOICES is a resource for Year 7-10 students who are learning about democracy and the electoral process. The content focuses on four first time voters who are beginning to grapple with the big issues citizens consider when they vote in a general election. A series of questions link the lively graphic narrative - Why have elections? What is Parliament? Why MMP? Why political parties? How does a government work? How do I get active? How can I have a say? How do I get informed? What happens in an election? How is a government formed? How can young citizens build the future?

ACTIVE VOICES resources the Social Organisation and Resources and Economic Activities strands of the Social Studies curriculum. It will help learners explore values, develop information skills and understandings about social decision making. It will show how young people can become informed, confident, responsible and active citizens in a changing democracy.

2002 Text and image editing by NiE, Wellington Newspapers Ltd.
WRITERS: Nigel Evans, Jenny Ryan
PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Round
LIBRARY PICTURES: The Dominion, The Evening Post
CURRICULUM ADVISOR: Kay Harrison

2005 update by the Electoral Commission