No update pack? You're not enrolled to vote
If you didn’t get an enrolment update pack in the mail this week, you need to get onto the electoral roll now. That’s the message from the Electoral Commission, which this week sent update packs to the 3.1 million New Zealanders on the electoral roll.
“Local elections are coming this year, and you must be on the roll to take part,” says Murray Wicks, National Manager, Enrolment Services.
“If you don’t get a pack by Thursday 4 July 2013, you are not enrolled to vote, and you need to enrol,” says Mr Wicks.
“Enrolling is easy! People can enrol or update their details online at www.elections.org.nz. Enrolment forms are also available by freetexting your name and address to 3676, calling 0800 36 76 56, or visiting any PostShop,” he says.
“If you received your pack, all you need to do is check that your details are right. If they are correct, that’s great, you will get your voting papers sent to you in the mail in September,” says Mr Wicks.
If any of your details need updating, simply make the changes and send the form back to the Registrar of Electors immediately.
Voting in the local elections is by postal vote from 20 September to 12 October 2013. Everyone correctly enrolled by Friday 16 August 2013 will be sent their voting papers by their local council electoral officer.
Those enrolling after 16 August will need to cast a special vote, and will need to contact the electoral officer for their local council to obtain voting papers.
“Enrolling by August 16 is the easiest way for you to have your say in the local elections,” says Mr Wicks.