Media release

Elections: Hamilton has the power

4 October 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With just three days to go voter returns in local body elections are low. As of Tuesday 4 October, only 20875 people have voted out of the possible 99867 eligible voters in Hamilton equating to 20.9 per cent.

It’s not just Hamilton, voter returns are low right across the country, with latest figures showing Hamilton sits just in behind Auckland (24.4 per cent) and just ahead of Wellington (19.41 per cent).

As New Zealand’s fourth largest economy it’s important Hamiltonians take a stand and get involved and vote – it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do all votes matter says Hamilton City Council Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske.

Through voting, communities can ensure their elected members reflect their values and views. Councils play a big part in everyone's lives and an important responsibility of elected members is to make choices about how public resources will be allocated.

“A democracy only succeeds if people take the time to vote,” says Ofsoske.

Wednesday 5 October is the last day to post your voting documents back by mail, or you can drop your documents back to the Council’s Elections Office, Hamilton City Libraries or various community locations (listed below) before noon Saturday 8 October.

- Celebrating Age Centre
- Hamilton Transport Centre
- Migrant Resource Centre
- Wintec, City and Rotokauri campuses
- The University of Waikato, Student Centre
- Waikato Hospital, volunteer desks
- Western Community Centre

More details on dates and times can be found at myhcc.nz/votinglocations

If you’ve lost your voting document or haven't received it you can still vote if you enrol or update your address details on the electoral roll at any postshop by 4pm Friday and request a special vote. To request a special vote visit the Council’s Elections Office or call 0800 922 822.

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