Media Release

Chief Electoral Office
Ministry of Justice

10 June 2009

MT ALBERT BY-ELECTION VOTING TIPS

The Chief Electoral Officer has two pieces of advice for voters in Saturday’s Mt Albert by-election - take your EasyVote card and go with a friend or family member if that would help.

“There are 28 polling places for the Mt Albert by-election across the electorate, open from 9am until 7pm sharp on election day. They are located across the community in places to make it easy and accessible to vote,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer.

“People should take their personalised EasyVote card with them when they vote, and I would also encourage them to go with friends or family if that makes the voting experience better.

“It’s usual for polling places to be busiest between 9am and 11am, so taking your EasyVote card will ensure you get your voting papers as quickly and smoothly as possible,” says Mr Peden.

People can still vote without their EasyVote card.

“It can also be helpful for people with English as a second language to take someone they know with them when they vote.”

The Chief Electoral Officer is reminding people that if they cannot get to a polling place in Mt Albert on Saturday, they need to vote in advance. Advance voting closes on Friday (12 June).

“If you can’t get to a polling place or advance voting place because you are sick or have a disability contact the Returning Officer for help,” says Mr Peden.

The last chance to enrol to vote in the by-election is Friday.

“You can’t enrol on Saturday to vote in the by-election. Anyone who hasn’t enrolled yet needs to do it now,” says Mr Peden.

Election results will be available from www.electionresults.govt.nz progressively after voting closes at 7pm.

ENDS

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