First votes in 2011 General Election and Referendum to be cast tomorrow
The first votes in the 2011 General Election and Referendum on New Zealand’s Voting System will be cast from tomorrow (Wednesday 9 November) by voters who can’t get to a polling place in their electorate on Election Day.
Advance voting opens on Wednesday 9 November and closes on Friday 25 November.
“If you’re unable to get to a polling place on election day, because you’re on holiday, working, in hospital or for any other reason, voting in advance is the easiest way to have your say,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer.
More than 250 advance voting places will be available around the country for people to cast their vote.
There will also be special arrangements for some voters including:
- Mobile advance voting facilities in Christchurch
- a polling place set up at Scott Base, Antarctica
- Returning Officers will visit people in hospitals and rest homes to collect their votes
- The HMNZS Canterbury will deliver voting papers to DOC workers on volcanic Raoul Island
Most advance voting places will either be fully accessible or accessible with assistance for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Details of advance voting places, including their accessibility ratings, are available from the elections website www.elections.org.nz, by calling 0800 36 76 56 or from local Returning Officers. Returning Officer contact details are available on www.elections.org.nz and from 0800 36 76 56.