LGNZ supports on-line voting for local body elections

Local Government New Zealand, the peak body representing local authorities around New Zealand, welcomes and supports the Government’s announcement that on-line voting will be trialled at the 2016 local body elections.

LGNZ has worked with a number of government agencies and sector groups to advocate for an e-voting option in addition to the existing postal vote used for local body elections.

“There has been a growing demand from our sector, and an expectation that an e-voting option will encourage current non-voters to participate. We are keen to continue work across the sector to develop initiatives that increase the voter turnout,” said LGNZ President, Lawrence Yule.

LGNZ says e-voting could provide a paperless option, so that a voter both pre-registers to receive their voting documents and submits their vote electronically.

“This means that a voter will be able to exercise choice in how they pre-register and vote, which will undoubtedly be positive in more New Zealanders voting in local body elections,” Mr Yule said.

LGNZ highlights Porirua City Council as one of the sector leaders advocating for e-voting.

Porirua’s Mayor, Nick Leggett, says, it’s well known that voter turnout is decreasing so it’s important we offer voting channels that reflect modern lifestyles, preferences and time pressures.

Mr Yule concluded by saying, “We need to modernise our voting systems to ensure greater participation.”

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