Enrolment update packs in the mail

GOING POSTAL: Posties June Crawford, Terry Diamond and Diane Taylor as well as Philip Parkes at the Masterton mail centre as the big mail-out of enrolment update packs gets under way. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

One of 2014's biggest mailouts started yesterday, as the Electoral Commission launches its campaign to make sure all eligible New Zealanders are ready to take part in the 2014 General Election on September 20.

"Over 3 million enrolled voters are being sent an enrolment update pack this week," says Murray Wicks, national manager, enrolment services.

"Being correctly enrolled is critical to being able to vote in the general election, so check your mailbox this week for your pack.

"This is your opportunity to check that your details are correct and up to date, or to make any changes. We ask that everyone open their pack to ensure their details are correct, and, if not, to fill in the form and send it back."

Register of Electors Philip Parkes, based at the Masterton mail centre, said overall Wairarapa was 97 per cent enrolled. "Masterton enrolled is 98 per cent, Carterton 99.9 per cent and South Wairarapa towns are 99 per cent.

"High enrolment numbers, which has been the case for many elections."

However, that leaves 3 per cent possibly not enrolled - and the commission wants them to have their chance to vote.

"Make sure your details are correct now it means that you'll be sent more information about voting closer to election day, and that you'll be able to vote more easily on the day," says Mr Wicks.

People who do not receive their enrolment update pack by Friday will need to complete a new enrolment form.

People can enrol or update their details online at www.elections.org.nz, or get a form by free texting their name and address to 3676, calling 0800 36 76 56 or by visiting any PostShop.

They can also get information at www.facebook.com/ivotenz.

"We can't say it strongly enough the only way to vote in this year's General Election is to be enrolled, so get ready for it now," said Mr Wicks.