Aucklanders Prepare to Cast Votes in Local Elections Starting September 9

Voting for the local elections in Auckland opens on September 9, 2023, and residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the candidates vying for their votes. The Auckland Council has launched an online tool, the Vote Auckland candidate catalogue, designed to help voters navigate their options effectively.

The candidate catalogue serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the wards and local board areas where voters reside. It is likened to a ‘Yellow Pages’ for election candidates, featuring individual profiles that include each candidate’s policies and priorities for Auckland. This resource allows voters to gain insights into the aspirations of candidates who may represent them over the next three years.

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Governance and Engagement, emphasizes the importance of voter education. “Take a few minutes to learn a bit about who the candidates are and which ones deserve your vote,” Ballantyne stated. “If you don’t vote, someone else will choose who represents you and your area.”

Many residents express reluctance to participate in elections due to a lack of knowledge about candidates. Ballantyne points out that, unlike celebrities, elected members may not have the same level of recognition but are crucial in shaping local decisions. Their roles impact various community aspects, from libraries and sports facilities to public transport and infrastructure.

To access the candidate information, voters can visit voteauckland.co.nz. The site allows individuals to enter their home address to view the candidates relevant to their local board and ward. Voters can filter candidates by position—mayoral, ward councillor, local board member, and licensing trust. Topics such as transport and natural environment are also available for comparison, enabling voters to assess candidates based on their priorities.

Once voters identify their preferred candidates, they can expect their voting papers to arrive between September 9 and September 22. Completing the vote involves marking the names of candidates who best represent their views, placing the paper in the return envelope, and dropping it at the nearest voting box. Locations for these boxes are also provided on the website.

For those whose voting papers do not arrive, select libraries across the region and designated Vote-on-the-Go locations will offer opportunities to enroll and cast a special vote immediately. These mobile voting stations will be present at markets, community centers, universities, and marae.

Aucklanders are reminded that participation in local elections is essential, as decisions affecting their communities will be made by the council’s governing body, which includes the mayor, 20 councillors, and 21 local boards. Engaging in the electoral process allows residents to have a direct say in their local governance and community development.

For further details, residents can visit voteauckland.co.nz/wheretovote.