Mt Albert goes to the polls

Mt Albert electors will cast their votes today to choose who they want to replace former Prime Minister Helen Clark as their representative in Parliament.

More than 43,000 voters will choose from 15 candidates to decide who becomes the next member of Parliament in a seat that Labour has held since it was created 63 years ago.

"People should take their personalised Easyvote card with them when they vote, which will ensure that they get their voting papers as quickly and smoothly as possible," said chief electoral officer Robert Peden.

The card, enclosed in the Easyvote pack sent to all eligible voters, lists the candidates, where the polling places are and when they are open.

But people could still vote without their Easyvote card, Mr Peden said.

"It can also be helpful for people with English as a second language to take someone they know with them when they vote."

About 24 per cent of the Mt Albert electors are Asian, and 40 per cent of the voters were born overseas.

"There are 28 polling places across the electorate, open from 9am until 7pm sharp. It's usual for polling places to be busiest between 9am and 11am."

Election results will be available at www.electionresults.govt.nz from 7 o'clock tonight and official results will be released by the Electoral Office by midday on Wednesday.