Make sure your vote will count

June 27, 2007

Election day is fast approaching but to have your say you must be enrolled to vote in October’s local body election.

North Shore City’s electoral officer, Peter McArthur, says on July 9, 2.9 million enrolment update packs will be sent across New Zealand to everyone already enrolled, asking them to ensure their details are up to date.

“If you don’t receive a pack in the mail, you aren’t enrolled to vote,” he says.

“An important part of living in a democracy is taking part in the elections. It is imperative that you vote for those candidates you think will best represent your views in the community.

“Only 35.2 per cent of our city’s 139,912 registered voters took part in the 2004 postal poll, a lower turnout than the 2001 election,” says Mr McArthur.

To be eligible to vote in this year’s elections you must be a New Zealand citizen and be on the parliamentary electoral roll. Enrolment forms are available at post shops, council offices and libraries, or by calling 0800 36 76 56.

Elections will be held for the mayor, 15 councillors and the city’s six community boards. In addition, the polls to elect North Shore representatives on the Auckland Regional Council and Waitemata District Health Board as well as members of the Birkenhead Licensing Trust, will be open.

For further information, please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz key word: elections.

ENDS

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