26 September 2016

Don’t run out of time, vote early on ‘Vote Day’

Voting packs have been sent to enrolled voters and to make sure your vote is recorded Tasman District Council is urging people to post their papers well before polls close.

Postal voting for the 2016 local elections has been open since 16 September and all voting papers must be returned to the relevant council by midday on 8 October.

As part of the Vote2016 campaign to lift voter turnout to over 50 per cent for the first time since the 1980s, Councils and Local Government New Zealand are urging people to post their papers on Saturday 1 October – or ‘Vote Day’.

Tasman Electoral Officer Sandra Hartley says we need to encourage people to get their papers mailed in time to be counted.

“Some of the main reasons people give for not voting are they forgot, ran out of time or were too busy,” Sandra says.

“So to make sure people give themselves the best chance to have their say we are encouraging people to vote early on ‘Vote Day’. It’s a Saturday and good week out from the close of the polls so the perfect opportunity to make a day of it and get involved in the democratic process.

“It is important Kiwis participate in the selection of the people who will make decisions that affect most people’s lives on a daily basis. The local government elections are a one-in-three-year opportunity to have your say and be counted.

“Voters can still post their papers after 1 October, but there is no harm in doing it earlier”.

What: ‘Vote Day’
When: 1 October 2016
Why: Make sure you have your say by voting early
How: Visit https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/postshop-kiwibank-locator to find your nearest post box or office.

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