Chasing voters on Facebook

by Jessica Tasman-Jones, AUT journalism student | Wednesday, August 11, 2010 7:36

ONLINE: Rotorua MP Todd McClay says social media sites such as Facebook are a good way to let people know what he is up to in Parliament. SUPPLIED

Local body elections traditionally have low voter turnout but Rotorua's politicians say Facebook may be a way of drumming up more votes.

With elections in October many residents may find themselves becoming online "friends" with politicians.

Mayoral candidates in Rotorua and Taupo are picking up on social networking - something which Rotorua MP Todd McClay is already doing.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper has about 500 followers on Facebook and said it was a modern way to get the younger generation interested in politics.

He said historically 48 per cent of eligible voters made their voice heard in Taupo's local body elections.

Rotorua mayoral candidate Charles Sturt said his teenage sons helped out with his Facebook profile but he did not use "the Twitter thing".

He said a lot of Rotorua locals asked him questions and gave him feedback on his Facebook profile.

Mr Sturt said it remained to be seen how effective Facebook was as a campaigning tool.

 Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said he was not sure whether social media was an effective campaign tool.

"A lot of Rotorua people do not have access to Twitter or Facebook," he said.

"It's not the sole way to network."

Mr Winters said he would use Facebook to campaign but it would be part of a range of marketing strategies.

Mr McClay described Facebook as a "lighthearted and friendly" way to tell people what he was doing in and around the region.

"Anyone interested in public life should be interested in making a presence on these types of sites," he said.

Shortly after The Daily Post contacted Mr McClay, he posted a question on his Facebook asking his online friends what they thought of his presence on the website.

Most people said they liked being able to contact him on his Facebook profile and commented it made him seem more accessible.

Arleen Tanirau said Facebook had made Mr McClay "an ordinary reachable person".

Peter McKellar said there was little information out there to get to know what the candidates were all about.

"I guess then Facebook gives another welcome way to find out information."

Media expert Dr Brian Edwards said candidates would be very foolish to ignore social networking sites  "especially if they want to reach younger people".