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Local Electoral Act 2001

Conduct of elections and polls - Voting, processing, and counting of votes

76: What voting documents for polls must contain

You could also call this:

"What information must be on your voting paper?"

Illustration for Local Electoral Act 2001

When you vote in a poll, your voting document must have certain information on it. You must be told how to fill it out and what to do if you make a mistake. The document must also have your name and the name of the local government area. Your voting document must explain how to vote, including where to put your tick or number. It must also tell you what the poll is about and if it is a binding or non-binding poll. You will see an example of how to mark your vote and a warning about what might happen if you break the rules, as outlined in sections 122(1)(a), 123(1)(c), and 124(b). The voting document might have other information to help you vote, like explanations in different languages. This is to make sure everyone can vote fairly and secretly.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM94386.

Topics:
Government and voting > Elections
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Part 3Conduct of elections and polls
Voting, processing, and counting of votes

76What voting documents for polls must contain

  1. Every voting document for a poll must contain the following directions to the voter:

  2. the voter should read the directions carefully before voting; and
    1. if the First Past the Post electoral system is being used for the poll, how and where on the voting document a voter exercises his or her vote (for example, a tick against a box); and
      1. if the Single Transferable Voting electoral system is being used for the poll, how and where on the voting document a voter indicates his or her preference; and
        1. what the voter should do if he or she spoils the voting document; and
          1. what the voter must do with the voting document after voting; and
            1. any other requirements that are particular to the voting method or electoral system that is being used.

              1. In addition to the directions to the voter, every voting document for a poll must contain the following:

              2. information that is necessary to identify the elector on the electoral roll and the voting document issued to that elector; and
                1. the name of the local government area to which the poll relates; and
                  1. a full statement of the proposal of the poll and whether or not the poll is a binding poll or a non-binding poll; and
                    1. an illustration of how and where the voter indicates his or her choice or preferences, as the case may be; and
                      1. a warning describing the offences that a person may commit under sections 122(1)(a), 123(1)(c), and 124(b).

                        1. Voting documents for a poll may contain any other information that the electoral officer considers appropriate to ensure that—

                        2. all electors who are qualified to vote have a reasonable and equal opportunity to vote (including, without limitation, information in a language other than English); and
                          1. the secrecy of the vote is maintained.

                            Notes
                            • Section 76(2)(d): amended, on , by section 26(1) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 40).
                            • Section 76(2)(e): inserted, on , by section 26(2) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 40).