Ballot boxes hit the road

Ballot boxes take to the street for a second week to encourage people to vote in the Waikato district.

This week drive-thru and mobile ballot boxes are in Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Raglan. Due to positive community feedback, it will return next week at even more locations.

Drive-thru and mobile voting will move around 12 locations in the district next week and enable people to easily drop their voting documents off during their daily routine.

Drive-thru voting in Matangi, Gordonton, Te Kowhai and Glen Massey will allow people to drive-up, drop completed voting documents in the ballot box and drive off easily and quickly.

Mobile voting in Raglan, Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Pokeno, Tuakau, Port Waikato, Meremere and Te Kauwhata will mean ballot boxes will be walked through the main street or be at convenient locations allowing people to walk-up and drop-off their voting documents during their daily routine.

People can also drop off voting documents to a ballot box in most Waikato District Council offices and libraries.

So far this election, voting document returns have been slightly below 2013 return rates. As at today (29 September 2016), voting document returns was at 15.21% compared to 15.61% in 2013.

Waikato District Electoral Officer, Dale Ofsoske says although elections are held by postal vote it’s important to make it as easy as possible for people to cast their vote and ensure it doesn’t get forgotten about.

Voting documents were delivered to all registered voters two weeks ago. People who have not received their documents should contact the Electoral Office on 0800 922 822.

“With voting documents now out it is important to make sure you read, complete and post or deliver your voting document in time,” says Mr Ofsoske.“Don’t leave it to the last minute. Make sure you post your vote back by Wednesday  5 October 2016 so it is received before the close of voting (noon Saturday 8 October 2016).”

Although electoral rolls have now closed, you can still enrol to vote (by 4pm Friday 7 October 2016) and request a special voting document (by noon, Saturday 8 October 2016).

For more information on how to enroll visit www.elections.org.nz, freephone 0800 36 76 56 or visit your local PostShop.

Mobile Voting Timetable:

For more information visit www.votewaikato.co.nz.