MEDIA RELEASE
30 September 2013
Electoral Commission
Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri

Preparations Underway for 2013 Citizens Initiated Referendum

The Electoral Commission wants to make it easy for people to take part in the Citizens Initiated Referendum on the question “Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air New Zealand?"

“It’s important that New Zealanders know that a referendum is being held and how to take part,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer. “Look out for information in your letterbox next week – it will tell you more about what to expect.”

The referendum runs from Friday 22 November until Friday 13 December, and will be held by postal vote. Voters must be correctly enrolled before voting begins in order to get their voting paper and be able to take part.

“People need to make sure that they are enrolled and that their details are up to date, as only those correctly enrolled will receive their voting papers,” says Mr Peden. “Check your details now – it’s easy. You can do it online or at your local PostShop.”

To enrol or update your details, fill in a new enrolment form now. Enrolment forms are available from the elections website www.elections.org.nz, freephone 0800 36 76 56, by Freetexting your name and address to 3676, or from any PostShop.

Voting papers will be sent to all correctly enrolled voters at the start of the voting period. People need to tick yes or no on the referendum voting paper in response to the referendum question, and return the voting paper in the envelope provided.

People should post their voting papers back no later than Thursday 12 December to be sure they are returned on time.

ENDS

A timeline for the Citizens Initiated Referendum is set out below.

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