Today, September 19, is Suffrage Day. On this day in 1893, women got the vote. It was a hard-fought battle, and one we are justifiably proud of as a nation. Which is why its all the more outrageous that today, women (and men) in Canterbury cannot vote for their regional government, thanks to a National-imposed dictatorship explicitly predicated on the belief that the people will make the "wrong" (for farmers and other National cronies) decisions.
We pride ourselves on being a democratic nation. Overturning democracy because you don't trust the voters fundamentally undermines that, and should shame us all.
So, if you're in Christchurch, and value our shared right to vote, go to the Bridge of Remembrance at 17:30 this evening, and speak out for our democracy.
