Voting opens for local elections in Rangitīkei district

Voting papers will begin to appear in Rangitīkei mailboxes today and Rangitīkei District Council are urging all eligible residents to cast their vote.

Rangitīkei District Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Carol Gordon says that the local elections provide a great opportunity for Rangitīkei residents to have a say in the future of their district.

“We want our community to vote this year because your say matters! From roads to
playgrounds, drinking water to libraries; whoever you choose for Mayor, Council, or the Community Board can make a big difference to your future.”

Mrs Gordon says that it’s important that residents get to know the candidates they’re voting for.

“Our Mayors, Councillors, and Community Board members are involved in decision making for the district so it’s important you vote for people who share your values while making these big decisions.

“Meet the Candidates evenings are taking place throughout our district across the month of September. We highly encourage everyone to get out and meet these candidates in person to find out what they’re standing for. Otherwise, you can find out more by reading the candidate book that will come with your voting papers, or by looking at Council’s website.”

There’s plenty of time for residents to cast their vote, adds Gordon.

“Voting in local elections is different from voting in the general elections. Rather than having one election day, you can vote anytime from Friday 16th September right through to midday Saturday 8th October.”

Voting papers will be delivered directly to enrolled residents mailboxes from Friday 16th September.

“If you’re enrolled to vote for this year's local elections, make sure to keep an eye out for your voting papers in your mailbox over the next week, fill them in and place them back in the return envelope provided, then drop them in your closest mailbox for free before Wednesday 5th October - it’s that easy.

“Or, you can drop your papers off in person before midday Saturday 8th October at the Taihape Information Centre/Library, Te Matapihi in Bulls, Council’s main office building on High Street in Marton, or at the Hunterville Village Bookshop.”

For those who missed the voting enrolment cutoff, there is still the opportunity to have your say during the elections, says Gordon.

“If you’re not enrolled to vote, you enrolled after 12th August 2022, or your voting pack is damaged or lost - don’t worry, you can still vote. You will just need to cast a special vote. Special voting packs are also available - you can request a special voting pack from our Customer Services team on 0800 422 522.”

For more information about casting a special vote or if you need assistance to vote for any reason, please contact Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Carol Gordon on
Carol.Gordon@rangitikei.govt.nz or call 06 327 0099

See Information for voting for more details and answers to FAQs.