MEDIA RELEASE

15 September 2005
Chief Electoral Office
Ministry of Justice

Voters Urged To Vote Close To Home On Election Day

The Chief Electoral Office is urging voters to vote at a polling place listed in their EasyVote pack and take their EasyVote card with them on Election Day, 17 September 2005.

2,700 polling places across the country will be open from 9am until 7pm on Election Day.

"If people vote at a polling place listed in their EasyVote pack, casting their vote will be easier," says David Henry, Chief Electoral Officer.

"Voters will avoid having to make a special declaration vote, which could take five times longer if they vote outside their electorate."

Details of the voter's polling places are listed in the EasyVote information pack. The pack also contains a list of electorate candidates, party lists and information about MMP.

"Advance voting numbers indicate that turnout will be heavier than in 2002," says Mr Henry.

"The busiest time in polling places is usually between 9am and 11am. People with special needs or people with young children may wish to avoid queues at that time."

Mr Henry says voters enrolled in a Maori electorate can vote at any of the polling places in their electorate. The nearest ones are listed in their EasyVote information pack.

"Take your EasyVote card with you when you vote," says Mr Henry. "Voters can vote without the EasyVote card, but it will take longer."

For more information contact: Chief Electoral Office Communications Advisor, Anna Hughes Phone 04 495 0030 or mobile 027 28 28 827. Please note Election Day Direct Dial contact 04 498 2322.

ENDS

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