Thousands of Aucklanders will cast votes at work this year in a major Auckland Council local election initiative.
Vote Friday will see staff at Auckland businesses and organisations offered 30 minutes to fill out their voting papers on 4 October.
Council Chief Executive Stephen Town says any business or organisation can sign up.
“Vote Friday is an excellent way for your business to encourage participation in local democracy.
“With the support of Auckland businesses, organisations and voters, I have no doubt Vote Friday will be a success.”
To date, participating organisations include Spark, Stuff, the Auckland Business Chamber, all three Auckland Police districts and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Staff at Auckland Council and Council-Controlled Organisations will also take part.
Organisations can register for Vote Friday by filling in the form on the election website. An information pack will be emailed to participating organisations.
Superintendent Karyn Malthus says Police are proud to be taking part.
“Police across Tāmaki Makaurau are committed to making our communities be safe and feel safe.
“By supporting Vote Friday you can help make our communities even stronger.”
Spark Chief Executive Jolie Hodson echoes that message.
“At Spark we encourage our people to be involved in their local communities.
“Vote Friday makes it easier for Spark people to have their say on Auckland’s future.”
Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Michael Barnett says, “We are encouraging businesses far and wide to take part and help make Auckland an even better place to live and work in.”
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Chief Executive Barbara Glaser says supporting the initiative was an easy choice.
“We’re thrilled to be taking part in Vote Friday. We, along with thousands of other Aucklanders, will be dancing to the tune of democracy on 4 October.”
Participating organisations will need to post completed voting papers with their outgoing mail, put them in a post box or arrange for a Vote Friday mobile ballot box to visit their workplace.
For more information about the initiative, please email the Vote Friday team at votefriday@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
The election will be held from Friday 20 September until midday on 12 October.
