Tom Roud, Alliance Party candidate for Central Ward in this year's Christchurch City Council elections, is calling for renters to be heard at the ballot box.

“Renters make up the vast majority of the Central Ward at almost 70% of residents. When all we hear about is ‘ratepayers,’ renters are going to start thinking that local government isn’t about them,” he said.

Mr Roud said, “Of course, renters contribute to rates indirectly via their rent, but when they don’t hear local politicians speaking directly to them then it is no wonder we end up with low voting numbers. The Central Ward voter turnout is just over 30%, while the number of renters is close to 70%. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”

“What should be alarming is that our electoral system entitles landlords to vote where they own property instead of where they live. Renting can often feel like you have less control over the place you live, and that is only made more acute by landlords voting while many residents who are renting do not,” he said.

Voters need to have their address details up to date by Friday 1 August to avoid having to cast a special vote in this year's local elections.

“Good representation for Central Ward means a good voter turnout. I implore every resident, whether a homeowner, a renter, or a homeless member of our community to get enrolled and exercise your democratic right. That’s how we can build a city where we don’t leave anyone behind,” he said.

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