Voting closed in the local government elections at midday today.
Chris Ford, DPA’s Regional Policy Advisor, would like to hear about any issues people have faced in casting their ballots.
As voting was by postal ballot, we are aware of barriers this presents such as finding and accessing a post box; the inability for blind people to cast an independent secret ballot; and the inaccessibility of important electoral information like candidate guides when only available in print or PDF format.
We are also aware that some councils have attempted to go the extra mile, for example by putting ballot boxes in supermarkets and libraries or running voting hubs. Other councils may not have, and we would like to know whether disabled people faced dual barriers in these areas.
That’s why we’d like to know:
- How did you find the voting process?
- What barriers did you encounter?
- What would make it easier to vote in future local elections?
- Are there any examples of good practice from anywhere in New Zealand that made the voting process easier and more accessible? If so, what were they?
Your feedback will inform DPA’s submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into the Local Elections which will be held in 2023, and also to local councils.
Please email your feedback to chris.ford@dpa.org.nz and put “Local Election Feedback” in the subject line.