Warwick Smith/Stuff

Sarah Ridsdale is organising a public meeting for journalist and author Caralise Trayes to speak about euthanasia, the topic of her recently published book.

A first time voters keen interest in the euthanasia referendum has led her to organise an event on the issue.

Sarah Ridsdale, 19, from Palmerston North, will vote for the first time on October 17.

She said one of the confusing parts of this years election was that the euthanasia referendum was binding while the cannabis referendum was not.

A binding referendum means that the result must be acted upon or implemented.

READ MORE:* Election 2020: How will Taranaki candidates vote in the cannabis, end of life referendums?* MPs vote 69-51 to pass David Seymour's End of Life Choice bill* Euthanasia referendum on the cards after tight vote in Parliament

STUFF

What is the euthanasia referendum and what are you voting for? The End of Life Choice Act explained.

Ridsdale wanted to be able to make an informed decision on euthanasia and came across the book The Final Choice End of Life Suffering: Is Assisted Dying the Answer?

It was really helpful to read about the big personal points of view, as well as the more technical aspects of the law.

The End of Life Choice Act had been passed in Parliament, but would only become law if more than 50 per cent of people voted in favour of it.

Ridsdale wanted to help other people get informed, so they too could make a calculated decision.

We have a belief that its never OK to end another persons life, and this law says that, under some circumstances, it is. Thats a big change in mindset, we need to think about this carefully

The Final Choice author Caralise Trayes will speak at the event, with insights into what she learnt while researching and writing the book.

Trayes interviewed more than 20 experts on both sides of the argument, including those with terminal illnesses, lawyers, doctors, ethicists and clerics.

Director of palliative care at the Arohanui Hospice Dr Simon Allan will also speak at the event.

It will be a family affair, with Risdales father as MC, her brother and sister on music, and her mum helping with its organisation.

Two sessions on the euthanasia referendum will be held at the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North on September 16, at 3.30pm and 7pm.

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Election 2020: First-time voter wants to help others make an informed decision on euthanasia - Stuff.co.nz