Wednesday 17 July 2013

Elections 2013: Nominations open this Friday

Christchurch's future leaders have their first chance to put their names into the hat for the 2013 Local Body Elections, with nominations for Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members opening on Friday 19 July.

Electoral Officer Clare Sullivan says the earlier that nominations are put forward, the better.

"The more time we have to process the nominations, the easier it is to complete the process accurately. When we get nominations coming in close to deadline, which has generally been the case in the past, it gives us less time to clarify any information that might be lacking, and it could render the nomination invalid."

There are 54 positions available – one Mayor, 13 Councillors and 40 Community Board members. The 2010 elections garnered 160 nominations, and Ms Sullivan is hoping for similar numbers this year.

"Christchurch needs passionate citizens with perspective and leadership qualities to stand for office, and Christchurch voters deserve a healthy diversity of choice. Successful candidates have the unique opportunity to represent their own communities at a governance level, and that's especially vital in the wake of Canterbury's earthquakes, which have spotlighted the importance of local government to a degree we haven't seen before."

Nominations close at noon on Friday 16 August. Anyone who is a New Zealand citizen, aged over 18 years and enrolled on the parliamentary electoral roll is eligible to stand as an electoral candidate. They must be nominated by two people, both of whom must be over 18 years old and must be enrolled to vote in the area in which their nominee wants to stand. They must also pay a $200 deposit, with internet payment available for 2013. From Friday 19, nomination forms will be available online at www.ccc.govt.nz/elections, and from the Council’s Civic Offices and service centres. Completed forms must be handed into the Council’s Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street.

Ms Sullivan is also calling for Christchurch residents to ensure that they, their family and friends are enrolled to vote.

“There are an estimated 28,000 voters not enrolled in Christchurch, which means a lot of people who deserve a say in how their city is run won’t get the chance,” she says. “If you’ve recently turned 18, moved house, relocated to Christchurch or think your details need updating, now’s the time to get everything sorted out.”

To enrol to vote or to check or update your voting details, visit www.elections.org.nz. Eligible voters must be over 18 years old and a New Zealand citizen.

For more information about the local body elections, please visit www.ccc.govt.nz/elections or phone Clare Sullivan on 941 8533.

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