Thursday 25 September 2008

Chief Electoral Office Ministry of Justice

Antarctica Aiming For 100 Percent Voter Turnout

One of the world's most remote voting places will be established at Scott Base for the 2008 general election and aims to get a 100 percent voter turnout.

"We know about 100 scientists, non-science and defence personnel will be in Antarctica during the election period. Setting up a polling place at Scott Base will make voting easy and accessible for these voters in the 2008 general election," says Chief Electoral Officer, Robert Peden.

Antarctica New Zealand Scott Base Co-ordinator, Yvonne Boesterling, has been appointed Overseas Returning Officer to Antarctica and will take voting supplies on the first summer flight of the season.

"The conditions might be harsh but we are aiming for a 100 per cent voter turnout in Antarctica for the 2008 general election," says Yvonne Boesterling.

Voting will be open to all eligible New Zealanders in Antarctica including Scott Base and the United States Antarctic Programme at McMurdo.

Voting in Antarctica and in other overseas locations begins on Wednesday, 22 October and finishes at 4.00pm (local time) Friday, 7 November.

Voting papers will be flown to Scott Base as soon as the ballot papers are printed and will be returned to New Zealand in time for the Official Count in the two weeks following election day.

The Overseas Returning Officer to Antarctica, Yvonne Boesterling, will receive election training from the Port Hills Returning Officer, Pamela Dawson, on Friday 26 September in Christchurch. They will be available for an interview/photo following the training session.

When: 10.00 am, Friday 26 September

Where: Port Hills Electorate Headquarters 21 Durham Street South Christchurch

ENDS

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