Editorial: Why you should vote, or even stand

Alittle orange man is about to step back into our lives.

Yes, it's nearing election time again. This time we'll be asked to exercise our democratic vote on who should hold local office. However, before we can do that we must be enrolled to vote.

This week, enrolment update packs have been sent out to the country's 3.1 million enrolled voters.

It's important that all your details are up to date so you don't miss out on your chance to have your say. Some may ask, why bother?

Well, this is your opportunity to choose who makes the decisions on our environment, local projects, parking, rates and health services.

For those thinking they want more of a say on how our communities are run - why not stand for election?

Many local councils are holding information meetings for potential candidates to outline the election process and answer candidates' questions. Nominations for local election candidates open on July 15 and run until August 15.

Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and on the electoral roll.

As Myanmar's de facto leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi said: "Democracy is when the people keep the Government in check".

- Tracey Chatterton is chief reporter of Hawke's Bay Today.