Voting papers heading your way

Published on 20 September 2019

Voting papers are being mailed today as voting opens for Whanganui District Council and the Whanganui District Health Board.

Whanganui’s Electoral Officer Noeline Moosman says local elections throughout New Zealand are run as a postal vote. She says, “Voting forms should arrive in your letterbox between 20 and 25 September. If your papers haven't arrived, please give us a call on 06 349 0001.”

Voting packs include the voting papers, a booklet containing supplementary information and a post-paid envelope for returning your votes. 

The names of candidates for Whanganui District Council are listed randomly, not alphabetically, on the voting forms this year. This means they will appear in a different order on each person’s paper.

Noeline Moosman says people comparing papers in the same household may notice this difference, but shouldn’t be concerned. “This is how they are digitally randomised by New Zealand Post. It’s how they’re supposed to be.”

As well as voting to elect the Whanganui District Council and the Whanganui District Health Board, voters will be asked three questions on future voting systems for Whanganui and the number of councillors:

1. The electoral system to be used – do you want to elect candidates using the First Past the Post electoral system, or the Single Transferable Vote system? This vote is binding.

    

2. The basis of election – do you want to elect candidates based on a ward system, or do you want them to stand 'at large' (across the whole district)? This vote is non-binding

    

3. The number of councillors - do you want to keep the number of Whanganui district councillors at 12, or do you want to reduce the number to 10? This vote is non-binding.

Whanganui District Council Chief Executive Kym Fell says, “Whanganui has a great track record for voter participation and I hope we can continue that for this election.

“Voting means you get to have your say about how you’re represented. It’s also about having pride in your district and being involved with what’s happening here in Whanganui so I’m encouraging our voting community to do the right thing. Get your votes in and make sure you return your envelopes on time.” 

To return your vote you can place your envelope in a post box or drop it into the ballot box at Whanganui District Council Customer Services, 101 Guyton Street, Monday-Friday, 8.00am–5.00pm.

Ballot boxes will also be available at various suburban and city locations on the Council’s ‘Vote Day’ on Saturday, 5 October.  Voting closes at 12 noon Saturday, 12 October.

ENDS