Your region needs you to vote

There is still time to make your mark on the future of your region by voting for who will represent you on Horizons Regional Council. Voting papers for the 2010 local government elections were mailed to people on the electoral roll last week and eligible voters should have received these.

While many people have enrolled to vote and will have received their voting papers, others have not enrolled but they still have a chance to if they are over 18 and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

“People can enrol to vote right up until Friday 8 October and request special voting papers,” Horizons Regional Council electoral officer Craig Grant says. People who have not yet received their papers should contact the Electoral Office at their city or district council.

The councillors of Horizons Regional Council take on a leadership role in the Manawatu-Wanganui region representing communities’ views, particularly around environmental management, flood protection, civil defence and transport services.

“I really encourage people who have not registered to vote, to do so and take up the opportunity to have a say on how the region is run over the next three years. The people elected are the ones who make decisions on your behalf so make sure they represent your community’s best interests,” says Mr Grant.

The voting papers use both the Single Transferable Voting (STV) and the First Past the Post (FPP) voting systems. The FPP voting papers will have a light grey background screen while the STV voting papers will have a light orange wash screen.

Voting papers will contain clear instructions on how to vote using both systems. People should read their papers carefully before casting their vote so they are using the right voting method.

More information is available from Horizons Regional Council electoral officer Craig Grant, contactable on 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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