Electoral Commission preparing for Northland by-election
The Electoral Commission is preparing to deliver a by-election in the Northland electorate on Saturday 28 March.
“This by-election is to select a new local Member of Parliament for the Northland general electorate,” says Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden. “In a by-election, people have only one vote - for their electorate MP. There is no party vote.”
“It is important to remember that only those who are enrolled on the general roll in the Northland electorate are entitled to vote in the by-election,” says Mr Peden. “If you’re enrolled, check that your details are correct. If you’re not enrolled, do it now.”
The Electoral Commission expects to provide around 90 voting places across the Northland electorate, which extends from just below Wellsford north to Cape Reinga, excluding Whangarei and its surrounding area.
Advance and overseas voting will start on Wednesday 11 March, and information about where and when to vote will be available from www.elections.org.nz from Wednesday 4 March 2013.
“We will be working in the community to ensure voters enrolled in the Northland electorate know that the by-election is on, how to make sure they are enrolled, and where and when to vote.”
“We also need around 300 people around Northland to help us deliver this important event,” says Mr Peden. “Applications are now open for those wanting to work on the by-election. Visit www.elections.org.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 for more information.”
Enrolling is quick and easy. Freetext your name and address to 3676, go to www.elections.org.nz, visit any PostShop or call 0800 36 76 56. People can also check and update their details at www.elections.org.nz.