Challenge on to get enrolled for the 2013 Local Elections
Today the Electoral Commission kicks off an enrolment drive to get everyone correctly enrolled to vote in this year’s local elections.
“From today we are sending out enrolment update packs to all 3.1 million enrolled voters in the country,” says Murray Wicks, National Manager, Enrolment Services. “Check that your details are correct. If you need to change anything fill in the form, then sign, date and return it straight away.”
“Local elections are held by postal vote, so it’s particularly important that people are enrolled at the right address,” says Mr Wicks. “If you get a pack and it’s not addressed to anyone at your house, send it back.”
“If you don’t get a pack, you’re not enrolled so you need to get onto it now. It’s easy - go online at elections.org.nz, freetext your name and address to 3676, call 0800 36 76 56 or go to any PostShop.”
Enrolment rates across the country vary, and the Commission is challenging local areas to narrow the gap.
“In some areas, up to 10% of the eligible population isn’t enrolled,” says Mr Wicks. “We think New Zealand can do better that!”
Local elections give people the chance to have their say on who runs their local council and district health board and who make decisions on things like the local environment, rates, parking, rubbish, parks and health services.
Note: The latest enrolment statistics by council area are available here.
This media release is available for download in Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Korean and Chinese below.