Local Elections Closing Date

The local elections 2010 are getting closer and the first key date for both voters and candidates will be 20 August.

On this date, voter registration closes and voters are reminded to return their registration documents if any changes to their details are needed. Voting documents will then be sent out from 17 – 22 September.

Candidates for local and regional councils, the health board, licensing trusts and community boards also have to get their nominations into electoral officers by noon on this date. Candidate nominations opened on Friday 23 July.

An elections portal has been launched this year so that voters can find out more about candidates. www.elections2010.co.nz is a local government website being used for the first time to make it easier for voters to know who and what they can vote for.

Voters simply type in their address to see a list of the candidates which have signed into the website and which council, board and trust they are standing for in their area.

It is voluntary for candidates but offers them a useful opportunity to increase their profile to voters by outlining their campaign and which issues they consider to be of particular concern in their electorates.

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