National trend towards early poor voter turnout

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is one of many throughout the country experiencing early, low, voter turnout.


“As of yesterday we were experiencing 18 percent turnout, that’s the equivalent of 2975 votes, not counting special votes,” QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said.


Voter turnout appeared to be low across the country with some councils reporting low turn out as of today with Southland at 22 percent, Taupo 18 percent, Franklin 14 percent, Kapati 21 percent, Waitakere 8 percent and Hamilton 15 percent, to name a few.


“It’s absolutely imperative that the community takes its democratic rights seriously,” Mr Field said.


The election would set the direction on a broad range of very important local issues for the next three years at least.


“This is an opportunity that is only granted every three years. If people choose to abandon their right to vote then it’s hard to have sympathy for those people when they decide to complain down the track,” he said.


Last minute voting was also discouraged.


“It’s a postal vote, so the sooner people can make their decision and return the vote, the sooner we can collate the results,” QLDC electoral officer Dave Cummings said.


Mr Field reminded Arrowtown residents that the papers they received would not request a vote for councillors.


“Arrowtown is in the unique position of having its one and only representative elected uncontested, however Arrowtowners do need to cast a vote for Mayor,” Mr Field said.


Anyone not on the roll or anyone who had misplaced voting papers could still vote by visiting the council offices.