Why Some Aucklanders Get Extra Votes In Local Election

Tuesday, 15 April 2025, 6:10 pm
Article: Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Some Aucklanders may be eligible to more than one vote in the upcoming local elections in October.

The local election is where residents choose who its mayor, ward councillors and local board members will be to shape the future of Auckland.

Auckland Council's electoral officer Dale Ofsoske from Independent Election Services, said it was important to note some Aucklanders might be allowed to vote more than once.

"Some might ask 'how this is legal', but it certainly is: wherever you pay rates you can vote," Ofsoske said.

If a person lived in one local board area, and paid rates on a property in another, they might be able to vote for local board members in both, he said.

"To be eligible for that additional vote, you just need to add your name to the ratepayer electoral role."

Ratepayers are eligible to enrol on the ratepayer electoral roll and vote in the Tāmaki Makaurau local elections, if they pay rates on an Auckland property but live elsewhere, on two or more properties in different areas of Auckland.

People can check online if they are on the ratepayer electoral roll.

Ofsoske said it was important to note ratepayers didn't get on the roll automatically - they must apply to be on the roll.

Also, if there were multiple property owners, only one owner can vote with that property's address.

For example, Jo and Sam own an apartment in Mt Roskill and a home where they live in Glenfield. If they are enrolled on the electoral roll, they can each vote for the mayor, North Shore Ward councillors and Kaipātiki Local Board members. One of them can also enrol on the non-resident ratepayer roll to make an additional vote for members of the Puketāpapa Local Board.

Council said a company or society that paid property rates could also qualify as a ratepayer elector.

While candidates can't officially submit their nominations until Friday 4 July - with nominations closing at midday on Friday 1 August - anticipation will start to build as voters receive the Electoral Commission's enrolment confirmation packs in the mail in April, Ofsoske said.

"So, it's a good time to ensure that your voting packs get sent to the right place."

Aucklanders can check their enrolment details, and enrol or update any address details by 1 August at [vote.nz/enrolling vote.nz/enrolling].

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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