18 July 2013

Nominations open for election candidates

Those wishing to nominate themselves for election to the post of Mayor of Palmerston North or one of 15 City Councillor posts can do so from tomorrow.

Electoral officer Dr John Annabell says in order for Council to represent the diversity of our community a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds is required.

Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election, as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and are enrolled on the electoral roll.

Those interested in standing are asked to attend the final in a series of three seminars on 6 August at 7pm in the Council Chamber. The seminars are aimed providing potential candidates with insight into the posts and Council activities.

Dr Annabell says a number of changes have occurred this year that everyone needs to be aware of as they will have an effect the 2013 elections.

·         The mayor and councillors will be elected on a city-wide basis. That means all electors who participate in the 2013 Local Body elections will help elect all of the Councillors as well as the mayor.

·         Palmerston North City Council will use the STV voting system. Instead of putting a tick beside the candidates you want to vote for, you rank them with numbers in order of preference. You begin with '1', for the person you like best. By ranking candidates in your preferred order - 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on - you are saying which other candidates you prefer if your top choice doesn't have enough support to get in, or does not need all the votes they received in order to be elected. You can rank all the candidates on the voting document, or as few candidates as you wish.

Nominations are to be made in person at Council’s front of house on the Square and close at 12 noon on Friday 16 August.

For further information on standing as a candidate visit pncc.govt.nz or contact:

ENDS

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