Whau ward result too close to call

Statement from Electoral Officer Bruce Thomas

In the Auckland Council elections preliminary results released and posted on our website early this morning, Ross Clow is 48 votes ahead of Noelene Raffills for the Whau ward councillor position. The earlier progress result released yesterday at 2pm had Noelene Raffills ahead by 89 votes.

Today’s preliminary result contains all votes that were received by 12 noon, Saturday 12 October including those collected from ballot boxes in service centres and libraries.

The next step is to process and count the remaining special votes. This is expected to be complete by this Thursday, 17 October.

Some special votes will need to be verified with the Electoral Commission to ensure the voter is enrolled on the electoral roll. This check covers people who have recently moved address, re-enrolled or just turned 18. If they are not enrolled, their vote is not valid.

If their vote is valid then it will count for the final result, which will be declared on 17 October and publicly notified on 21 October.

An unsuccessful candidate can request a judicial recount. This must be made within three days of the public declaration (ie 21 October) and the application must be made to a District Court judge. The judge must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the recount, which must be undertaken as soon as practicable after the judge receives the application.

If Mr Clow is ultimately successful, he no can longer take up the position he won on the Whau Local Board. That position will pass to the next highest polling (currently unsuccessful) candidate, Ami Chand.

There is currently a tie for the fifth spot on Great Barrier Island Local Board.

Full preliminary results are here: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
ends

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