Citys electoral system up for dicsussion

Hamilton City Council will discuss future electoral system options at its Ordinary Council meeting this Thursday, 25 August.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2011, Council must consider the electoral system under which its 2013 and 2016 triennial elections are held, said Democratic Support Services Manager Anthony Dick.

Mr Dick said Council will receive a report, by Independent Election Services Ltd, which presents four electoral system options. Council can resolve to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) system, change to a Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, ’do nothing‘ (mandating retention of FPP), or hold a poll asking electors which system they would prefer.

“The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the right information to make an informed decision on the electoral system for the next two Council elections,” said Mr Dick.

Council must make its decision before 12 September, and a Public Notice of the decision is required by 19 September.