With voting now in the final stages in the Waikato District local body elections, residents of the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward are being urged not to miss their chance to choose the Mayor and Councillors who will represent them.
Voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday, October 11, and community leaders are stressing the importance of every single ballot. “Local government shapes the roads we drive on, the water we drink, and the rates we pay,” says Charles Fletcher, Chairman of the Tamahere Community Committee. “If people don’t vote, they’re leaving decisions about their future to someone else.”
Ballot packs should already have been delivered to mailboxes, but anyone who hasn’t received theirs can still cast a special vote through the Waikato District Council. Voting papers can be posted (by October 7 to ensure delivery) or dropped at designated ballot boxes right up until the Saturday midday deadline.
Charles Fletcher also expressed disappointment that local access has been restricted. “Please note that despite our best efforts to have the WDC Tamahere Village office open on Saturday October 11th, the Council has denied our requests. Residents will need to use other ballot box locations listed on the WDC website and also. shown below”
He added turnout remains the community’s biggest challenge. “It only takes a few hundred votes to decide some local races. Your single vote really can change the outcome.”
For more information on where to vote or to request special voting papers, residents can visit waikatodistrict.govt.nz
