Voting begins in Thames-Coromandel this weekend

Voters about to make their mark on the future of the Coromandel Peninsula

Voters will be able to cast their votes in the 2010 local elections from this Saturday. Voting papers are being mailed from tomorrow. (17 September)

Most Thames-Coromandel voters will start receiving their papers this weekend, with all papers expected to be delivered by Wednesday 22 September. People who have not received their papers by then should contact TCDC Electoral Officer, Lynlee Baily on 07 868 0200.

"Although electoral rolls have now closed, people can still enrol to vote. However, they will need to request special voting papers," she says.

One group in particular, those who turned 18 after August 20, will not automatically be sent voting papers, but are still able to cast a special vote.

"The last date to enrol is Friday 8 October. I would encourage anyone who has not yet registered - to do so, and cast a special vote. It's your opportunity to have a say on how the District is run over the next three years."

The voting papers will use both the Single Transferable Voting (STV) and the First Past the Post (FPP) voting systems.

Voting papers will contain clear instructions on how to vote using both systems. The STV voting papers will have a light grey background screen while the FPP voting papers will have a light orange wash screen.

Lynlee Baily reminds people to "read their papers carefully before casting their vote so they are using the right voting method."

Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society giving the opportunity for everyone's voice to be heard. The mayor and councillors take on a leadership role in the Peninsula, representing the views of the community.

Enrolment forms and information are available from Lynlee Baily: phone 07 868 0200 or 0800 922 822. Special voting forms can be picked up from TCDC service centres.

ENDS

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