|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
It’s time to vote in local body elections, which means voters should have received their voting pack in the letterbox by now.
Auckland voters
But if it hasn’t landed, Auckland Council has people covered so there’s no more waiting around by the letterbox.
To pick up a voting pack, the council has more than 90 ‘Vote-on-the-Go’ locations, where Aucklanders can enrol and vote on the spot while out and about at places such as markets, community centres, universities, marae and more.
People can track down their Vote-on-the-Go location using the Vote Auckland interactive map, taking themselves and any friends and family who don’t have voting papers, and make an event of it.
No identification or paperwork is necessary.
Council general manager governance and engagement, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, hopes these voting activations will help make voting more accessible for more Aucklanders.
“If you couldn’t enrol on time or perhaps your voting papers did a no-show, make sure you get to a Vote-on-the-Go before voting closes at midday on Saturday, October 11,” she says.
“To assist voters and enable participation, we’re thankful that many staff across the organisation have volunteered to work at these events outside of their usual roles and hours.
“We need more Aucklanders to take an active role in having their say on the region’s leadership.
“The council’s decisions affect every resident and so everyone should choose who makes those decisions.
“Participation is pivotal to our democratic society and it’s a ‘superpower’ that’s part of being an Aucklander, so we’re doing everything we can to remind Aucklanders not to waste the opportunity to vote.
“Vote now, so you don’t miss out on choosing who represents you on Auckland’s major decisions that’ll impact your daily life and our region’s future.”
If there isn’t a Vote-on-the-Go nearby, call into one of these libraries to pick up a special vote.
People still have to enrol by midday on Saturday, October 11, to make their vote count.
Find everything there is to know about voting at Vote Auckland.
Living in Waikato?
Within each voting pack, you’ll be able to elect your mayor, local councillors and community
board members in some areas, with most seats across the council and community boards being contested.
You’ll also get to vote in the binding poll on the future of Maaori wards in the district.
This is a community vote to decide whether Maaori wards will continue beyond the 2028 local elections. Maaori wards, like Maaori seats in Parliament, give tangata whenua a dedicated voice within the council.
The choice is simple, you will tick either ‘I vote to keep Maaori wards’ or ‘I vote to remove
Maaori wards’, with every registered voter being able to take part.
Not sure where you can drop off your vote? Check out the Waikato locations here.
You can cast a special vote if you haven’t received your voting packs by September 22, if your pack has been lost or damaged, or if you enrolled or updated your details after August 1, 2025.
To cast a special vote correctly, follow these steps:
- Pick up a special voting pack from one of the council offices. This will include a voting document, a declaration, and the envelopes you need. You can also contact Election Services at 0800 922 822 for further guidance.
- Bring acceptable ID such as a driver’s licence, passport, or another official document.
Complete the declaration carefully, double-checking your details and don’t forget to sign it. - Submit your completed vote either by popping it into a ballot box or into a post box (before October 7).
- If you are or you’re planning to be out of the country during the voting period, you can also cast a special vote. Be sure to contact Election Services on 0800 922 822 for further guidance.
Special voting is about making sure that no one misses out. Taking a moment to complete the special voting forms correctly means that your voice is heard and your vote is counted.
If you think you might need to cast a special vote, don’t leave it to the last minute. Visit one of the council offices and request your pack today or call Election Services at 09 973 5212.
For more information on voting, special voting, and where to return your papers, visit the
Waikato District Council website.
