The Electoral Commission is calling for Tauranga under-29-year-olds to register to vote before the general election on November 26.

Nationally, in 2008, 75.02 per cent of 18-24-year-olds were registered to vote.

This year only 72.44 per cent have filled out an enrolment form.

Compared to 86.14 per cent of 25-29-year-olds having enrolled in 2008, this year only 79.90 per cent have completed their forms.

Registrar of Electors Lesley Christophers says it's not a great statistic, and in Tauranga it means there are 2198 18-24-year-olds and 1323 24-29-year-olds who still need to enrol.

'The numbers are down because many young people in particular have not yet completed an enrolment form.

'To be able to cast a valid vote, people need to be enrolled.”

Lesley says by not enrolling or taking part, people are putting decisions about New Zealand and their future into the hands of others.

People can enrol up to on Friday, November 25. The election is Saturday, November 26.

'We are encouraging people to enrol before October 26 to ensure their name is on the printed roll that will be used on election day.

'If they enrol before October 26, they will be sent an EasyVote pack that will contain all the information they need to cast a valid vote and make the voting process so much easier and faster.”

People can get an enrolment form by free texting their name and address to 3676, visiting www.elections.org.nz calling 0800 36 76 56 or picking one up from a Post Shop or from the ‘Orange Guy' display stand at The Warehouse stores.

Electoral Commission steps taken to encourage people to vote include

• A national and regional advertising in key broadcast, print and online media.
• Social media presence/campaign (www.facebook.com/IVoteNZ) where you can also commence the enrolment process.
• Working with key media channels listened to or viewed by the young.
• Specific street posters and advertising in the worst youth enrolled areas.
• Field workers in the community at places such as various supermarkets, The Warehouse, Work and Income New Zealand and attending local events as well as targeted door knocking.