Ballot bins will be easy to spot as they roll out across the Masterton District this week.

Voting officially opens tomorrow (9 September), and the orange bins will be at nine locations across the rohe, making it easy for residents and ratepayers to return their voting papers before 12 noon, Saturday 11 October.

To help voters plan their trip, the Council has developed an accessibility map with information for each site about opening hours, mobility parks, ramp access, available seating, and photographs of the site.

The map can be accessed through the free Discover Whakaoriori app or by downloading a plain word document from the Council website.

Deputy Electoral Officer Harriet Kennedy wants it to be easy to get involved with the election.

“Local elections are one way for people to decide what Masterton’s future looks like. We want it to be simple and convenient so this year we have more ballot bins in popular locations and we’re making them easier to find.”

Her team are also available to answer questions and assist with voting.

“If people haven’t got their papers in the mail by Monday 22 September, or have lost or spoiled them, they’ll need to pop in and see us to cast a special vote.”

Anyone requiring assistance to vote from home can call 0800 666 040 to access a telephone dictation service. This service is available to ensure that all voters can participate confidently in the election.

For more information about voting or accessing services, visit mstn.govt.nz or contact the Electoral Team by calling 06 370 6300 or emailing: harrietk@mstn.govt.nz.

Ballot bin locations

• Waiata House, 27 Lincoln Road
• Queen Street, 161 Queen Street
• Masterton District Library, 54 Queen Street
• New World, Cnr Bruce & Dixon Streets
• Woolworths, Cnr Worksop & Queen Street
• Mitre 10 Mega, 159–167 Ngaumutawa Road
• The Warehouse, Cnr Chapel & Russell Streets
• Solway Supermarket, 218 High Street, Solway
• Trust House Recreation Centre, 2 Dixon Street

Post boxes can be found at:

• Opaki Mini Mart, 18 Opaki Road
• Renall Street Store, 164 Renall Street
• Paper Plus Masterton, 181 Queen Street
• Kuripuni Post & Lotto Shop, 437 Queen Street

Key Dates

• Voting papers arrive: From 9 September
• Post your vote by: 7 October (no stamp required)
• Drop your vote in an orange bin by: 12 noon, 11 October
• Haven’t received your voting papers by 22 September? Visit us to make a special vote — it's quick and easy.

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