Ahead of the city’s upcoming by-election, Dunedin voters will start receiving their voting papers in the mail from tomorrow (Friday, 10 April).

The by-election has been called to fill the vacancy left by the late Councillor Jules Radich, and there are 14 candidates standing for election. The polls will close at noon, Tuesday 12 May 2026.

“Dunedin voters who were on the electoral roll by 2 March 2026 will receive their voting papers between now and 23 April, so please don’t worry if you don’t get yours right away,” says DCC Deputy Electoral Officer, Robyn Dillon.

“Those who do not receive their voting papers in the post by 24 April can still have their say, but they will need to cast a special vote.”

People need to cast a special vote if any of the following apply:

• They were not enrolled to vote by 2 March 2026
• They are on the unpublished (confidential) electoral roll
• They haven’t received voting papers in the mail by 24 April 2026
• Their papers have been damaged or destroyed
• They are out of the country and won’t receive their voting papers.

Special voting papers can be collected from the Electoral Office in the DCC Civic Centre.

Voting in the by-election is by postal vote, so completed voting papers must be mailed no later than 7 May to ensure they will be received on time to be counted.

Alternatively, people can cast their vote at the ballot box, with numerous orange bins located around the city. A full list of orange bin locations and closing times can be found on our website.

“We’re encouraging everyone to get out and vote and help decide who joins the Council table,” says Mrs Dillon. “Every vote counts and every vote matters.”

As in the recent local elections, the voting system for the by-election is the single transferable vote (STV). This means voters rank candidates in order of preference.

“You don’t need to rank all the candidates, only the ones you support being elected. Remember, if you rate them, rank them.”

For more information on how and where to vote, and the candidates standing for election, please visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/vote

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