Where will the schoolyard vote go on Saturday? NewsWire sent LIZ WOODS and BERTY HARRIS to Wellington High School to talk to tomorrow’s future – those old enough to vote and the ones missing out by a year:

JOHN Key may think he’s got the election sewn up, but he had better not be relying on Wellington’s youth.

Wellington High School students asked about their preferences cringe at any mention of the National Party. Not surprisingly, Labour and Greens policies are popular.

Labour is considered more student-oriented and the Greens’ are liked for their advocacy for the environment, because climate change and energy efficiency are big concerns for the next generation.

National are not highly spoken of. Felix Barber, 17: “Any student voting National are shooting themselves in the foot.”

Sue Bradford’s failed bill for lowering the voting age to 16 is brought up a few times, as many students say they would love to have the right to vote.

Year 13 students are annoyed that many of their peers are allowed to vote, while they miss out because they are a few months short of 18.

“Yeah, I guess it really pisses me off that I can’t vote,” says Lydia Metcalfe (right), 17. “I think if you pay tax you should be allowed to vote.”

However, not getting the vote yet may be a good thing, says Lydia Metcalfe: “I can see Michael Appleby’s [Cannabis Party] votes hitting the roof.”

There is genuine interest among students about the election, but a large number say they would take more interest if they were allowed to participate in the hype of voting.

NewsWire got the impression the 17-year-olds are more into the election than their older mates, most of who seem only casually interested in their new voting rights.

We asked what influences support for political parties and most say they are influenced by the opinions of family and friends.

Asked if a politician’s appearance sways their thinking, Felix Barber says: “No, I’m a Labour supporter – and look at Helen.”

Brynn Langem, 18, says he is “not really interested” and has not decided who he wants to vote for yet: “Probably the Greens.”

Tawhai Strangheir (right), 17, says he thinks politics is just a bunch of mud-slinging.

TOP PICTURE: From left, Bryn Langem, Sebastian Goode (rear), Callum McLeary, Felix Barber (sitting), and Pat Stewart.