15 September 2016

Voting opens in 2016 Waikato district elections

From tomorrow you will be able to cast your vote in the 2016 Waikato district elections.

Voting packs are being mailed to registered voters today, with delivery expected between Friday 16 September and Wednesday 21 September.

If you have not received your voting pack by Wednesday 21 September, you should contact Electoral Officer, Dale Ofsoske on 0800 922 822.

To be counted, your completed voting document must be received by the Electoral Officer before midday on Election Day, Saturday 8 October 2016.

Your voting documents use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system. Under FFP you are required to put a tick alongside the candidate(s) you wish to vote for (up to the number of vacancies).

You will be voting for the Mayor, Ward Councillors and Community Board members, as well as for Waikato Regional Council members and Waikato District Health Board members or Counties Manukau District Health Board members.

District health boards use the Single Transferrable Voting (STV) electoral system to elect their members. Your voting document contains clear instructions on how to vote using each of these systems.

“You should read your voting document carefully before casting your vote to make sure you are using the right voting method,” says Mr Ofsoske.

It’s not too late to enrol to vote.

“Although electoral rolls have now closed, you can still enrol to vote at any post shop. However, you will need to request a special voting document,” says Mr Ofsoske.

“Voting closes at midday on 8 October. I would encourage anyone who has not yet registered to do so and ask for a special vote. It’s your opportunity to have a say on who represents you, your family and your community for the next three years.”

Special votes can be obtained in person at council offices in the district or by phoning the electoral office on 0800 922 822.

For more information on how and where to vote and who you can vote for, visit www.votewaikato.co.nz.

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