Making it easy for Cantabrians to have their say
Voting in Christchurch will be a bit different this year, says the Electoral Commission. It has set up special provisions for those areas affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, including mobile voting facilities set up in campervans.
“Our goal is to make is it as easy as possible for voters in Christchurch electorates to vote,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer.
“Everyone enrolled by mid-November will be sent an EasyVote pack before the election. EasyVote packs include important information about where to vote, the candidates for your electorate, political party lists, and how to vote in advance,” Mr Peden says.
“If you are unable to get to a polling place on election day, because of work, you’re away, because the roads are too bad – any reason at all – you can vote in advance. Advance voting facilities are open until Friday 25 November,” he says.
In addition to fixed advance voting places, three special mobile voting facilities will provide voting services in and around Christchurch. Details of when and where the campervans will visit each neighbourhood are available at www.elections.org.nz .
In the central city, many buildings used as polling places in the past will no longer be available. Information about polling places in each electorate will be included in EasyVote packs, and there is also a dedicated Christchurch voting section at www.elections.org.nz .
With so many Christchurch residents unable to go home, or living at a temporary address, the Electoral Enrolment Centre has provided detailed information about where residents should enrol. Visit the enrolling in Christchurch page at www.elections.org.nz or phone 0800 36 76 56.
If residents are unsure of whether they are enrolled, or whether they are registered at the right address, they can check at www.elections.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.