4 October 2013

Elections 2013: One week to go

With just over a week until election day, and numbers of processed votes now trailing 2010’s numbers, Electoral Officer Clare Sullivan is urging all Christchurch residents who haven’t yet done so to get in their votes for the local body elections.

“As of Thursday 3 October, 22.52 per cent of eligible voters have sent us their vote,” she says. “Voting got off to a strong start last month, but compared to this point in 2010, where we had 24.33 per cent, we’ve fallen slightly behind. It would be terrific to see a turnout higher than the 52.15 per cent we got in 2010.”

Voting numbers for 2013 and previous years can be viewed at www.ccc.govt.nz/elections

Preliminary results for the election of the Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members will be declared on Saturday 12 October.

“If you look at past results, there tends to be a late surge as the closing date looms, but we want to keep up momentum,” Ms Sullivan says. “If you’ve had your voting forms sitting untouched on a coffee table for the last two weeks, now’s the time to do your civic duty. Every vote counts.”

Votes can be processed until noon on election day, Saturday 12 October. Those voting via post are encouraged to send them by Wednesday 9 October to ensure they’re processed in time. Voters living in the same household must return their votes individually to maintain the security of each person’s vote.

For more information about the elections and how you can vote, phone 0508 440 017 or visit www.ccc.govt.nz/elections

ENDS

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