7 October 2013

80% of Waikato district voters still to return voting papers

With less than 20% of Waikato district voters having returned voting papers, people are being urged to have their say on who their community leaders should be for the next three years.

The Waikato district has to date recorded one of the lowest voter return rates in the region with only 18.9% of papers returned as at 7 October. In the 2010 elections the district recorded one of the lowest voting return rates in the country with 34%.

There is considerable variation in voter return rates by ward, with (as at 7 October) Onewhero-Te Akau Ward having 26.1% of votes returned, followed by Huntly with 25.3%. Awaroa ki Tuakau (15.6%) and Tamahere wards (16.3%) are recording the lowest turnout to date.

Voters need to post their voting papers by Wednesday 9 October, or they can be delivered by hand to the following Council offices during office hours this week, or 9am-midday on Election Day, Saturday 12 October:

• Ngaruawahia office

• Raglan office and library

• Huntly office and library

• Te Kauwhata library

• Tuakau office

• Tuakau library

Voters have the opportunity, where an election is being held, to elect their Mayor, Councillors, and Community board members along with Regional Council and District Health Board representatives. To find out about these candidates voters can read the information provided with voting papers, go online at www.vote.co.nz to read candidate bios, or visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/Your-Council/Elections.aspx.

Waikato District Council Electoral Officer Maria Edgar says although electoral rolls have now closed, people can still cast a special vote in person at the six Council offices and complete a change of address/new registration form at any Postshop.

“I would encourage anyone who has not yet voted to do so. It’s their opportunity to have a say on how where they live is run over the next three years.”

ENDS

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