Super City elections 2013: Q&A - How to vote

Everyone on the parliamentary electoral roll will receive voting papers for the local elections. Photo / Sarah Ivey

What are local elections?

Every three years, residents of the Auckland region get to vote for a mayor and members of the council representing their wards or area. They also get to vote for local board members, district health board members and, depending on where they live, local licensing trusts.

Do I have to own my house to vote?

No. Voters are all resident electors and non-resident ratepayer electors whose names appear on the parliamentary electoral roll. Non-resident electors are on the roll in one area and pay rates on a property in another area.

What electoral system is used?

The first past the post (FPP) electoral system is used for all elections except for the three district health boards, which use the single transferable voting (STV) electoral system.What is the difference in systems?In first past the post, you tick candidate names and in the single transferable voting system you rank the candidates you most want to be elected using numbers.

How long do I get to decide who to vote for?

October 9 is the last day to post your votes in order to guarantee delivery by the time voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 12.

Why should I vote?

The mayor and 20 council members approve the rates and charges and provision of services, facilities and amenities which you and your family will pay for and use - regardless of whether you rent your house or own it. Local board members represent your area and decide local issues, activities and facilities and tell the council what the community wants or how it feels. The district health board decides the public hospital, public health and community services to be provided.

What happens to our vote?

Vote counting starts when the voting period closes at noon on October 12. Progress results will be known about 1pm and preliminary results will be known later in the evening. These will be published in the media and on voteauckland.co.nz. The official count will be declared the following week.

How can I vote?

From September 20, voting papers and a booklet giving instructions and candidate CVs were mailed to your postal address. Watch out for a white envelope addressed to you with orange writing. A freepost envelope is enclosed.

Is it too late if I don't get around to doing the voting paper until election morning?

"Drop off" vote collection points will be available at council libraries from 9am to noon on Saturday, October 12.