Voting in the 2022 local elections has begun with first ballot papers sent out yesterday, kick-starting a three-week ballot before voting closes and mayors, councillors and other representatives are decided on October 8.
Anyone aged over 18 at the time the ballot closes is entitled to vote, with about four million people estimated to be eligible for enrolment as electors throughout the 67 unitary, city or district councils and 11 regional councils in New Zealand.
Over 135,000 of them are within the Hawke's Bay Today circulation area spreading through four Hawke's Bay region council areas of Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay, and the Eketahuna-to-Norsewood expanse of the Tararua District.
Most will have received notification they are on the rolls and been asked to advise of any changes to their details since the 2019 election, including residential address, meaning possible placement within another council area.
But people can still enrol online, including those turning 18 and eligible to vote.