Time running out to vote in local elections

Time is running out for the 69 per cent of eligible voters in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula who have yet to complete and return their voting papers for the local elections.

“Voting closes at noon on Saturday and there are still many voters who have yet to send back their voting papers, with voter returns  in our district currently sitting at 31 per cent,’’ says Christchurch City Council Electoral Officer Jo Daly.

“The deadline for getting voting papers in the mail has passed, but people can drop-off their voting papers at any open Council service centre or library between now and noon on Saturday,’’ Ms Daly says.

“There are special ballot boxes set up at those locations, as well as in the ground floor of Christchurch City Council’s Civic Offices at 53 Hereford Street. If you have not yet voted, please take the time over the next couple of days to complete your voting papers and to drop them into one of the ballot boxes.

“Voting is a democratic right and it is important for local democracy and communities that as many people as possible take part in these elections,’’ Ms Daly says. “The people elected will be making decisions on how the city runs and what services residents get, so you need to think carefully about who you want representing you at the decision-making table.

“If you did not receive voting papers in the mail but you are over 18 and eligible to vote, you can still take part in the elections. You will just need to request a special vote.’’

People can contact the Electoral Officer for information by emailing elections2022@ccc.govt.nz or by phoning 941-8999. Special voting documents can be issued 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, until 7 October from:

• Christchurch City Council Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street
• Fendalton Service Centre, 4 Jeffreys Road, Fendalton
• Hornby Service Centre, 2/8 Goulding Avenue, Hornby
• Linwood Service Centre, Eastgate Mall, first floor, corner Buckleys Road and Linwood Avenue
• Beckenham Service Centre, 66 Colombo Street, Beckenham
• Te Hāpua Halswell Service Centre, 341 Halswell Road, Halswell
• Shirley Service Centre, 36 Marshland Road, Shirley

Special voting documents are also available from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, until 7 October at:

• Lyttelton Service Centre, 18 Canterbury Street
• Akaroa Service Centre, 78 Rue Lavaud

On Saturday 8 October, special voting documents will be available from the Civic Offices from 9am until the close of voting at noon.

Progress results from the election will be available mid-afternoon on Saturday 8 October.