Friday 17 - the Election Season has opened

Friday 17 September marks the opening of the local government and DHB elections 2004.

Voting papers will be sent out to the letterboxes of all registered electors and they will have until noon Saturday 9th October to send their completed papers back.

"We have designed the envelopes with a distinctive look so they will stand out from other material in the letterbox lessening the chance of them being thrown out" said John Skelton, Manukau's Electoral Officer.

"With the papers going out today it is planned that all voters should have their papers by Wednesday 22 September. We ask that if voters have not received by the evening of the 23rd that they ring us in the first instance."

"By ringing us as soon as possible we can ensure the voter has the ability to exercise their democratic right and we can maintain the essential security of the process".

Today is also the first day voters will be able to cast special votes. Generally these are people eligible to vote but did or could not register before 20 August this year.

These people are by no means disadvantaged as they will still be able to register and vote right up to Friday 8 October. If prospective voters are not registered they can do so at any post shop.

"We ask that those wishing to cast a special vote check whether they are on the roll and if not, register at the nearest Post Shop as we are not able to do this at the Council," Mr Skelton said.

All election queries in the Manukau area should be directed to the Elections Team on (09) 263 7100.

ENDS

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