Time to get ready for the local elections
The local elections are on their way, and from Monday New Zealanders will be asked to check whether they’re enrolled and ready.
“From Monday we’ll be sending out enrolment update packs to all New Zealand’s 3.1 million enrolled voters,” says the Electoral Commission’s Robert Peden. “We’re asking everyone to check their packs to make sure that we have their details correct, so that they don’t miss out on voting in the local elections.”
“All you’ll need to do is check that your details are right. If they are correct, you don’t need to do anything more. If anything needs updating, make the changes and send them back to us immediately.”
The local elections are held by postal vote, so it is critical that people are enrolled at the right address. Only those correctly enrolled by Friday 12 August 2016 will get their voting papers for the 2016 local elections sent to them in the mail.
“If you don’t get a pack by July 4, you’re not enrolled so you need to get onto it,” says Mr Peden. “And if you get a pack that’s not addressed to anyone at your house, send it back.”
Enrolling or updating your details is easy - go online at elections.org.nz, freetext your name and address to 3676, call 0800 36 76 56 or go to any PostShop.
Local elections give you the chance to have your say on who runs your local council and district health board. They 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 at www.elections.org.nz/research-statistics/enrolment-statistics-council