Local body elections: Last day to enrol via mail on Friday

Thursday, 15 August 2019

The last day to enrol for voting papers for this year's local body elections is Friday, August 16 - but those who forget to do so before this date still have options.

The local body elections take place every three years across the country. Kiwis must be enrolled if they wish to vote on who should be their local board members, councillors and mayor.

It is against the law for New Zealand citizens over the age of 18 not to enrol, even if they don't plan on voting, according to the Government website.

Those who enrol after August 16 will still be eligible to vote, but won't be able to send their papers in via mail and their details won't be published in the publicly accessible electoral roll.

**READ MORE:

* Error may have led to low number of nominations for Far North District Council boards

* Get your vote on: We really need to care about our local elections

* Auckland's local board elections: Who can run, candidate fees and key dates**

Late enrollers can request special voting papers from their local council's electoral officer, according to the NZ Electoral Commission.

Verified Real Me accounts may also be used to complete the enrolment process online after the August 16 deadline.

Those who do meet the deadline may request not to have their details published in the electoral roll if they believe their safety is at risk - for example, those protected by restraining orders, crime victims or anyone who feels unsafe due to the nature of their job.

Eligible voters who live outside of the local council area where they own property can apply to the ratepayer roll to vote in the area in which they pay rates - for example, if you own property in Palmerston North but live and pay rates in Auckland, this would apply.

Those who are unable to enrol due to mental or physical disabilities may have someone who is enrolled complete their enrolment form on their behalf.

Anyone who did not receive voting papers in the mail is not enrolled to vote, or should update their address.

Those who are unsure about their enrolment status may check here.

KEY ELECTION DATES

August 16 - Electoral roll closes for submissions by mail

August 21 - Candidates announced

September 20 - Voting opens

October 8 - Last day to post voting papers in the mail (but you can still post them in a ballot box)

October 12 - Voting closes at noon and progress results announced

October 17 - Official results are announced.