Didn't get your papers? You can still cast a special vote at selected Auckland Council sites before voting closes. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
Thousands of Aucklanders are expected to cast special votes in the final hours before local election polls close at 12pm on Saturday.
Auckland Council general manager of governance and engagement Lou-Ann Ballantyne said special voting played a crucial role in ensuring that as many eligible people as possible could take part, even if they missed postal deadlines or never received their voting packs.
"Special votes are perfect for people who didn't enrol or update their enrolment details in time, didn't receive their voting papers, or are on the unpublished roll.
"Special voting accommodates a range of circumstances so that as many eligible voters as possible can participate."
To validate a special vote, residents must already have enrolled with the Electoral Commission by the end of Friday 10 October, the day before close of voting.
Special voting would still be available at select libraries until midday Saturday, but only for those already enrolled.
Ballantyne said the council had made extensive efforts to reach voters who may not have received their voting packs.
"More than 90 Vote-on-the-Go sites and select libraries for special voting have been available from 13 September to Saturday 11 October at a wide range of venues and locations across the region," she said.
"This has been reported by media, as well as across all council channels and among communities."
Declaration signed and envelope sealed. Aucklanders can still have their say. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
No confusion over closing time
Auckland Council said it had not received any reports of confusion about the midday Saturday closing time for voting.
After polls closed, special votes are verified and included in the final count.
"Special votes are opened and processed once the preliminary results are released," Ballantyne said. "They're checked for validity, and where required, elector details are forwarded to the Electoral Commission to ensure these electors are correctly enrolled on the parliamentary roll."
Ballantyne urged every eligible Aucklander to make their voice heard.
"This is your last chance to choose who represents you and make critical decisions for Tāmaki Makaurau's future over the next three years," she said. "Vote today or let someone else choose Auckland's representatives for you.
"If you still need to pick up voting papers, our teams are out and about today to help you cast a special vote. You can find them and your nearest vote box by visiting voteauckland.co.nz/wheretovote."
Key details:
Enrolment cut-off: End of Friday 10 October
Special vote deadline: 12 pm Saturday 11 October
Info: voteauckland.co.nz/wheretovote | www.vote.nz
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
