Two 'firsts' for elections

Two innovations will be seen in the 13 October local government elections.

The triennial election will be for a Mayor, 24 City Councillors, 36 Community Board members, eight Environment Canterbury Councillors and five members of the Canterbury District Health Board.

For the first time this year a booklet will be sent out with the voting papers containing photographs and profiles of candidates.

Also for the first time the return of voting papers will take place over three weeks to give residents more time to vote.

In 1998 the voting period was two weeks and the election saw a 50 per cent return of voting papers.

The Electoral Officer, Max Robertson, says he would like to encourage a higher electorate return of voting papers.

"I would like to see a significant increase in the number of electors exercising their democratic right in this election," he says.

In addition to the elections for Mayor, City Council and six Community Boards on Saturday 13 October there will be an election for members of the Canterbury District Health Board and Environment Canterbury — all by postal vote.

Nominations open
Candidate nominations opened on 27 July and will close at noon on Friday 24 August.

These must be in the hands of the Electoral Officer by noon at his office in the Haralds Building, 80 Lichfield Street or PO Box 237.

Candidates’ names will be published following the close of nominations and the preliminary roll will close on Friday 31 August.

The rolls can be inspected at Council offices, libraries and NZ Post shops until 31 August.

Voting papers will be delivered from 21 September to 26 September. Voting by post will run until noon on 13 October.

Votes will be collated progressively and will be counted after the close of voting. Preliminary results will be available as soon as practicable after noon on election day.

The election for Mayor is separate from the vote for Councillors.

Two City Councillors will be elected in each of 12 wards.

Six members for each of the six community boards — Burwood-Pegasus, Fendalton-Waimairi, Hagley-Ferrymead, Riccarton-Wigram, Shirley-Papanui, and Spreydon-Heathcote — are also elected.

The City Council may appoint up to three other members to each board.

For the Regional Council election the city is divided into four constituencies and two Councillors are sought in each constituency.

The city as a whole will elect five members of the Health Board.

Special voting facilities will be available at the City Council offices, Tuam Street, from Monday 24 September.

These will be for people who have not received or have lost their voting papers.

Residents wanting voting papers can also ring the Council on 941 8888 and ask for "Special Votes."