On the telly, in the papers, on the Net, billboards on almost every street corner – it’s hard to miss the fact that there’s an election coming up. Everyone’s trying to win your vote on Election Day, September 20, (this politician included – party vote Green!) but if you’ve already made up your mind, this year you don’t have to wait another two and a half weeks to have your say – you can cast your vote any time from tomorrow right through ‘til E Day on September.
I believe advance voting will be a game-changer this Election. Young Kiwis in particular are notorious for voting in low numbers but this Election it doesn’t matter what the weather is like on September 20, how big the lines are, or if there’s something else on – everyone can vote from tomorrow or any day over the next seventeen days. Elections always take place on a Saturday to minimise disruption to the working week. But for young Kiwis, many of whom work part-time jobs on a Saturday (or may just be recovering from the night before), getting to the polling booth on Election Day can be a little harder. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why 42% of 18-24 year olds didn’t vote at the last election. Students are notorious for leaving things until the last minute, but unlike a university essay they won’t let you hand in your vote in late. This Election, students, young workers and everyone can vote from tomorrow in advance of Election Day.
You don’t need a special reason to cast an early vote. It’s as simple as turning up to an advance voting place, telling the staff there who you are, and casting a vote. To make things even easier, if you’re enrolled then mid next week you’ll get your Easy Vote pack in the mail, which saves a few minutes at the polling place. Even if you aren’t yet enrolled you can still have your say – you’ll just need to fill in a form at the advance polling booth before you vote. The Electoral Commission have the locations and times for each electorate up here.
This is a critical time for New Zealand. With one in four of our kids growing up in poverty, 60% of our rivers unsafe to swim in and dirty politics defining the National Government I’m urging you to vote for a cleaner, smarter, fairer New Zealand. Make your vote count – vote early and party vote Green.
Hi, That’s for that Gareth,
The petition is already at 3 000 and rising so please sign this also
I just signed this petition — will you join me?
Governor General of New Zealand: Investigate all the allegations of corruption in the National government
To: Governor General of New Zealand
The petition is really important and could use our help. Click here to find out more and sign:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Governor_General_of_New_Zealand_Investigate_all_the_allegations_of_corruption_in_the_National_government/?keArPbb
Thanks so much,
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Governor_General_of_New_Zealand_Investigate_all_the_allegations_of_corruption_in_the_National_government/sign/?aeArPbb
Advance voting isn’t a new thing though, is it? I could have sworn I voted early last time around…
I don’t agree with this advance voting at all.
All it can possibly do, is to alert the political parties. How can it be allowed. Its like having a live daily poll – but its real.
I think this is so very wrong, and can be used to sway the votes on actual polling day. And the media will know where to shut info down, and what needs more lies and deceptions adding to it.
I don’t like this at all.
Opinion.
Will they be counting and publishing before the 20th?
All early votes cast are kept intact until close of polls on 20 September. There is no way of knowing who voted for what party or candidate. It is a secret ballot.
Hey, it has it uses. I’ve got a really unpredictable chronic medical condition. I did early voting last time around. as it was ended up in hospital semi-conscious on election day. Wouldn’t have had a vote otherwise. I’ll be early voting again this time, just in case…
Signed petition, and voting tomorrow. Lets get the rot out!
I think advanced voting is a good idea to allow as many people as possible to vote. The fact that the elections are on a Saturday makes it difficult for some to take the time to make their vote. Without advanced voting many people would miss the opportunity to vote and have their say. It is known that there is a low involvement with students and voting and as I student myself I can say that it is difficult to find the time off from uni and work to cast a vote on a Saturday. Advanced voting gives many more the opportunity to have their say, if you know you are going to be away and unable to make a vote on Saturday you take the initiative and vote early. I do believe advanced voting is helpful and could increase the numbers of votes received. As there is only way day to vote and if you miss it, you miss the opportunity to have your say about your future. Not being able to vote because you have other commitments that day is disappointing and being able to have advanced voting is giving everyone the opportunity to vote and not have to miss out.
I agree with you, advanced voting has many benefits and allows everyone to make their vote and have a say!
You make a valid point, I too think advanced voting is a good thing and an opportunity for people who may have not voted in the past for certain reasons. Allowing one day for voting is very restricted and many people miss out.
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