Voting papers and election resources
Voting papers are now being delivered to households throughout the country for the 2010 local body elections. All papers should be delivered by Wednesday 22 September, and if you haven't received yours by then, you should contact your council's Electoral Officer.
Now what do you do with them when they do arrive?
There are two different voting systems used in local elections, Single Transferable Vote (STV) and First Past the Post (FPP). Your voting papers will contain clear instructions on how to vote using both systems, and they'll be different colours depending on which system is used in which election - light grey for FPP and light orange for STV.
So read up on how you're voting for your ward, board, or mayor, and you're good to go!
But who are you going to vote for?
Your voting papers will include short summaries from each candidate standing in your area. And don't forget the local elections portal http://www.elections2010.co.nz/ where you'll find candidates' "top five" issues they think are important, and links to their websites, blogs, or Facebook pages.
With all these resources available it has never been easier to make your mark on how your community is led.
Stick it on your fridge - but don't leave it there!
In previous elections it's often been reported that a lot of people intend to vote but just forget to mail in their voting papers. Don't let it happen to you - keep your papers out in plain sight, plan some time to sit down and make your choices, and get straight to a post box - you won't have a chance like this for another three years.
Resources for journalists
Local Government New Zealand have also created A Journalist's Guide to Local Government - a booklet explaining how local government operates and what issues it faces. Copies have been mailed to media people throughout the country and it's also available here on the LGNZ website.
Resources for elected members
If you're standing for election and are voted in by your community, congratulations! Now the hard part starts. Whether you're new to serving in local government or an old hand, the Elected Members' Survival Kit is a vital tool for all elected members. Now in an easy-to-update folder format, the Kit (formerly the Elected Members' Handbook) contains all the information you need to help navigate your way through the local government sector. For more information on the Elected Members' Survival Kit and to order yours click here.
Posted 20 September 2010
