Time is running out for Waitomo residents to have their say as to who should represent them around the Waitomo District Council table from later this month.

Warwick Lampp, Electoral Officer for the Waitomo District Council, says about 5,000 postal voting packs for the Saturday 12 October elections were distributed to registered electors last month.  By 7 October, only 30% of voting papers had been returned.

Voting papers must be returned in the freepost envelope provided so the Electoral Officer receives them by noon on Saturday 12 October.

People should post their voting papers by Wednesday 9 October to ensure they are received on time.

If voting documents are not posted by 9 October, they should be dropped into the ballot boxes available the Council’s Te Kuiti office before 12 noon on Saturday 12 October.

Voting packs including voting papers, a candidate information booklet and a freepost envelope have been posted to people on the electoral roll. If families are away over the school holidays, the freepost envelope can be posted from anywhere in New Zealand.

People who have not received their voting papers can still vote by casting a special vote but need to contact the Deputy Electoral Officer John Moran, on 07 878 0800, or visit the Council’s Te Kuiti office during normal opening hours.

As part of the local elections, people can vote for candidates for the roles of Mayor, Councillors, Waikato Regional Council and Waikato District Health Board members.

Information about voting, including regular updates on the number of votes cast to date, is also available online here.