The result of this year's general election could be decided by the number of people not enrolled to vote in Northland.
Figures from the Electoral Office show that almost 1500 eligible voters in Northland have been removed from electoral rolls since the 2005 general election.
The Whangarei electorate has lost 509 voters, Northland 465 and Te Tai Tokerau 451. Maori are the main group missing from the rolls, with the 451 from the Te tai Tokerau electorate joined by other Maori on the two general rolls.
They were removed after Electoral Enrolment Update packs, with the bright orange election man on the front, were sent to 101,420 people in Northland as the campaign to get people enrolled to vote stepped up in May.
Those that came back to the office, indicating that the person had moved, were then followed up with other attempts to contact the voters, such as telephone calls.
Whangarei registrar of electors June Newman said people missing from the roll could end up determining the outcome of the elections, which must be held by the end of November. "The vote of just one of these people could be the difference between a win or a loss for a candidate or political party. To ensure your vote counts you must be on the electoral roll," Ms Newman said.
Te Tai Tokerau registrar of electors Mike Hoeta said Maori were a fairly transient people and generally did not inform the office when they moved.
"We made a reasonable attempt to contact them, but if we can't locate them we take them off the roll. That means if they are not on the rolls - Whangarei, Northland and Te Tai Tokerau - they won't be able to vote."
In general, a lower percentage of Maori voted than other groups, so Mr Hoeta would be visiting marae and Maori support groups.
Enrolment forms are available by free-texting a name and address to 3676, visiting www.elections.org.nz or any PostShop, or calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 36 76 56). People can also check and update their details via the website.
Ms Newman said if people enrolled by June 20, they could check their names on the provisional electoral rolls.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Northern Advocate
Artist's latest exhibition dishes dirt on neighbour and council
A Northland artist has an unconventional exhibition showing in Whangārei.