It’s the final countdown - time to get your votes in, Whanganui!
Published on 05 October 2022
Whanganui District Council is urging people to get their voting papers in as soon as possible, with voting closing at 12 noon this Saturday, 8 October.
As of Tuesday, 4 October, 8,238 papers, or 24.5% of eligible Whanganui votes, had been returned. By contrast Palmerston North City Council had received only 21.1% of voting papers back as of 2.00pm on Tuesday.
Whanganui District Council’s democracy services manager, Kate Barnes, says those who have already voted should feel proud of the contribution they have made to our community.
“We want to thank those of you who have exercised your right to vote and ask that you encourage your friends, neighbours and whānau to do the same – every vote counts.
“We expect to see a rush of returns in these last few days and would love to see Whanganui turn out and beat our last total. It’s also a chance to challenge our neighbouring councils to see who has the most engaged community! So far it’s pretty even with Palmerston North, Manawatū and Rangitīkei, but we know we can do better.”
The previous local elections in 2019 saw 44.17% of total votes returned in the Whanganui District.
Kate Barnes says the deadline for posting votes has passed but people can still drop off their votes at one of the voting ballot bin locations around Whanganui.
“You can still enrol, check or update your details online at vote.nz/enrol using your New Zealand driver’s licence, passport or verified RealMe ID. Make sure you enrol by Friday, 7 October so you don’t miss out. You can also get help enrolling from the voting staff at the council.”
Those who have not received voting papers or have just turned 18 years of age can make a special vote by visiting council customer services at 101 Guyton Street this week, with open hours extended until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Council staff will also be operating a drive-through voting booth at 101 Guyton Street between 9.00am and 12 noon on Saturday, 8 October.
Voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday, 8 October 2022.
Voting bin locations:
- Council customer services, 101 Guyton Street
- Gonville Library, 44 Abbot Street
- Davis Library, 1 Pukenamu Drive, Pukenamu Queen’s Park
- Splash Centre, 220 London Street, Springvale Park
- Four Square Riverview, 59 Anzac Parade
- New World Whanganui, 374 Victoria Avenue
- Countdown, 433 Victoria Avenue
- Trafalgar Square, Taupo Quay
- Whanganui District Council’s election centre at Community House, 60 Ridgway Street, between 10.00am-2.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Whanganui River Markets on Saturday, 8 October until 12 noon.