ENROLMENT AUNTIES
The Enrolment Aunties project, conducted from August to October 2023 in multiple locations around Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, New Zealand, is a site-situated initiative aimed at increasing civic engagement among underrepresented communities. In light of New Zealand's recent General Election, this project addressed the persistent political disengagement among populations often excluded from democratic processes. Through non-partisan, accessible engagement spaces, Enrolment Aunties provided resources for individuals to learn about voting, complete voter registration, and receive support throughout the enrolment process.
This initiative highlights a critical need to address deficits in civics education in Aotearoa, which contributes to the ongoing marginalisation of certain groups in political representation. These communities remain underrepresented in decision-making structures by opting out of elections, reinforcing a cycle where their concerns are overlooked within the political landscape. The project aligns with a broader academic discourse on democratic participation, which notes that political engagement is often skewed toward already-empowered demographics, further alienating disenfranchised populations.
Using the concept of “dancing up democracy,” Enrolment Aunties approached voter engagement as a dynamic, creative process. Drawing from craftivism traditions, the project blended practical civics education with participatory, art-based outreach. Pop-up kiosks decorated with colourful QR-coded materials and rainbow tinsel provided an inviting atmosphere that combined essential voting information with a sense of inclusivity and community. Enrolment Aunties contributes to ongoing discussions about participatory democracy, combining performative activism with practical voter engagement. This project exemplifies how creative, site-based approaches can help address democratic deficits, fostering a civic environment where diverse voices are heard and supported in the democratic process.