Electoral Reform Coalition
13 November 2002

Chris Fletcher hosts STV Fundraiser

Former Auckland City Mayor Chris Fletcher will be hosting "Evening Drinks and Hors D'oeuvres" at her Mt. Eden home this Friday, 15 November, for supporters of Single Transferable Voting (STV).

"Neither the Council - who even voted against public consultation on this issue - nor the Government have allocated any funding to help educate voters about their choices for a local voting system," said STV campaigner Lynne Serpe. "That leaves those of us gathering signatures to fill in the education gap that you'd expect our elected representatives to fill."

Earlier this year, Auckland City Council had the option of switching to STV for the next local body elections - but they didn't. They even voted against consulting the public.

Auckland STV campaign spokesperson Richard Green believes, "We cannot allow the City Council to dictate to us the terms of our democracy. They are there to represent us."

Fortunately, a clause in the Local Electoral Act 2001, which required STV to be used for the next District Health Board elections, gives local residents the opportunity to demand a binding referendum on the voting system. If just 5% of Auckland City electors sign the poll demand by December 12th, voters will get their voice.

"The electoral reform movement draws its strength from its non-partisan foundations," said national STV campaigner Lynne Serpe. "No one political party is favoured over another - STV favours the voter."

"We're looking forward to a very successful evening, as we gear up for the final month of signature gathering."

The fundraiser costs $20 and proceeds will go towards the Auckland STV Poll Demand effort. For more information, please contact Lynne Serpe at 09-361-5975.

ENDS

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