It’s local elections year which means Aucklanders will get to choose the mayor, ward councillors and local board members, who help shape the future of Auckland.
And did you know some voters could be eligible for more than one vote?
Auckland Council’s independent electoral officer, Dale Ofsoske from Independent Election Services, explains how this is possible.
“Some might ask how this is legal, but it certainly is: wherever you pay rates you can vote.
“If you live in one local board area and pay rates on a property in another, you may be able to vote for local board members in both – to be eligible for that additional vote, you just need to enrol on the ratepayer electoral roll,” says Mr Ofsoske.
Ratepayers are eligible to enrol on the ratepayer electoral roll and vote in the Tāmaki Makaurau local elections if they pay rates:
- on an Auckland property, but live elsewhere
- on two or more properties in different areas of Auckland.
You can check online if you’re on the ratepayer electoral roll. It’s important to note ratepayers don’t get on the roll automatically – you must apply to be on the roll.
Also, if there are multiple property owners, only one owner can vote with that property’s address.
For example, Jo and Sam own an apartment in Mt Roskill and a home where they live in Glenfield. If they are enrolled on the electoral roll, they can each vote for the mayor, North Shore Ward councillors and Kaipātiki Local Board members. One of them can also enrol on the non-resident ratepayer roll to make an additional vote for members of the Puketāpapa Local Board.
A company or society that pays property rates can also qualify as a ratepayer elector.
Check out the ward and local board finder to look up your ward and local board area.
While candidates can’t officially submit their nominations until Friday 4 July - with nominations closing at midday on Friday 1 August - anticipation will start to build as voters receive the Electoral Commission’s enrolment confirmation packs in the mail in April.
So, it’s a good time to ensure that your voting packs get sent to the right place. Check your enrolment details and enrol or update any address details by Friday 1 August at vote.nz/enrolling.
For everything there is to know about Auckland’s elections, go to voteauckland.co.nz.
