Election process - where to from here

Preliminary results include votes processed after the close of voting.

These are the results we currently have. 

Final results are the official determination after processing of all voting documents, including special votes.

This processing includes scrutiny of the electoral roll and a final check of all votes cast to check their validity.
This process may cause some small shift in election results.

We can anticipate that Laurie Byers, elected, but only by 16 more votes than the next highest polling candidate (according to preliminary results) will be keenly interested in the final declaration.

The official declaration is expected on or before this Wednesday. However, should there be any recounting of votes, petitions or other form of contesting, it may be further delayed.

The final result is advertised by public notice.

After that, there will be an official swearing-in where elected representatives make a formal declaration required by law enabling them to act as elected members.

Councillors and community board members cannot act in an official capacity until they have made this declaration.

The Mayor Wayne Brown will determine the time and format of the swearing-in ceremony, tentatively set by staff for November 5.

He will also determine whether or not elected representatives attend an orientation programme staff have prepared to give elected representatives information about the district and its communities, local government legislation and interaction with other elected members and council staff.
Alison Lees