​Public Notice issued for right to demand a poll to change FPP

The Central Otago District Council is publicly notifying the right for people to demand a poll on the Local Electoral System if they want to change the current First Past the Post (FPP) system.

Public Notice - 7 September 2023

Notice is given under section 28 (1) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that the electors of the Central Otago District Council have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used for the elections of the Central Otago District Council. The choice is between the First Past the Post (FPP) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral systems. Council gave consideration to the electoral system at its meeting on 30 August 2023, but made no decision to change the FPP system proposed for the 2025 elections. Unless a poll determines otherwise, the FPP electoral system will continue to be used for the elections of the Central Otago District Council in 2025 and 2028.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made by notice in writing.
• Signed by at least 5 percent of the number of electors enrolled as eligible to vote at the previous triennial election of the Central Otago District Council. This will require 847 signatures.
• Delivered to the office of the Central Otago District Council, 1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra, no later than 11 December 2023.

The name of the elector must appear on the electoral roll of the Central Otago District Council, or be currently the subject of a direction by the Chief Registrar in relation to unpublished names.

Every elector who signs a demand must also set out in it their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of the Central Otago District.

If a valid demand for a poll is received before 11 December 2023, the poll must be held before 14 May 2024, and has effect for the purposes of the 2025 and 2028 triennial elections.