Low voter turnout in Meat & Wool NZ Referendum

Media Release

25 August 2009

Low voter turnout in Meat & Wool New Zealand Referendum

Only about 6,000 of the 20,000 sheep and beef farmers eligible to vote in the Meat & Wool New Zealand referendum have done so to date, according to electionz.com which is managing the voting process.

Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen urged sheep and beef farmers to ensure they had their say by casting their vote before voting closes at 2 pm this Friday.

“These numbers show a low level of participation so far, and I urge farmers to make sure apathy does not decide the final outcome.”

electionz.com Returning Officer Warwick Lampp, is expecting voter numbers to pick up in the final days of voting, but also warned farmers not to leave it too late.

“To be counted, we must have voting papers at our office by 2 pm on Friday.  Farmers still to vote should now be looking at either voting online, or faxing back their papers.”

To vote online go to www.referendum09.co.nz and follow the link on the front page.  Farmers unique PIN and password are on the voting papers. Fax voting papers to 0508 666 337.  Anyone who has misplaced their pin number and password, or needs further information should phone the election hotline 0508 666 336.

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