Voters urged to ‘have a voice’

VOTING EARLY: Gisborne District Council customer service team leader Amy Brodin and GDC communications adviser Marire Kuka make their picks for Mayor, council and DHB representatives in the local body elections during a Vote Day today at the council. Staff were allowed to stop work for 30 minutes to make their choices and then put their votes in a ballot box at the GDC offices. Picture by Liam Clayton

The number of people who have voted is down from the local authority election three years ago.

So far 4675 votes have been received — only 14.38 percent of the 32,508 residents of voting age in Tairawhiti.

At the same time in the last election in 2016, 19.2 percent of people had voted, and in 2013 17.5 percent had voted by this stage of the election.

Voters are reminded that since the last election in 2016, the postal system has also reduced the number of days it delivers mail in Gisborne.

Voting papers need to be in the mail by Tuesday, October 8 to make sure they arrive on time.

Ballot papers can also be dropped off to the Gisborne District Council (GDC) offices in Fitzherbert Street by midday on election day — Saturday, October 12.

In a bid to encourage people to vote, GDC has joined other councils around the country in a “healthy challenge” to get the most votes for their region in the 2019 local authority elections.

The “Vote-Off” challenge video for Tairawhiti is on social media and the GDC website.

In the 2016 local authority elections, only 43 percent of electors voted nationally, Tairawhiti’s overall voter turnout was higher, at 48.5 percent.

GDC chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann implored people to use this chance to have a voice.

“Elections aren’t about politicians or elected members, elections are about the people. They’re ours, elections are ours to own.”

All electors get to vote for Mayor, while voters in the Matakaoa-Waiapu, Taruheru-Patutahi and Waipaoa wards are voting for one councillor. Gisborne City ward electors are voting for up to nine councillors.

Ms Thatcher Swann urged voters to exercise their right to determine who represents them.

“When you think about what council does, the big business, the $100 million dollar per annum revenue in terms of its income, you need to have some people up there that you can put your trust in.

“Your voice through your vote and your choice of council is really important.”

Special votes are accepted at council offices in Gisborne and Te Puia until Saturday, October, 12 to 12 midday. Assisted voting is also available by contacting the GDC.

Another event to encourage people to vote has been organised for next Wednesday, October 9.

Called Poti Pati Whanau Vote Day, it is being held at the Marina Park.

“Come down, bring a picnic, bring your voting papers, or photo ID and proof of address.

“We will also have an official ballot box and electoral official on site, and can provide guidance on how to vote, plus there is special assisted voting just next door at GDC,” said event host Tina Ngata.

Votes received to Oct 2

Matakaoa-Waiapu 13.1 percent or 200 votes.

Taruheru-Patutahi 17.3 percent or 475 votes.

Tawhiti-Uawa 13.9 percent or 250 votes.

Waipaoa 9.9 percent or 275 votes.

Gisborne 14.6 percent or 3525.