"The people sitting around the council table make decisions which impact our lives every single day. It is our councillors who decide on everything from parks, to roads, to water services and so much more. community board members represent the views and priorities of people in their communities," she said.
"You cannot live in our district without those decisions impacting on you in some way. I'm astounded people don't want to have a say on who makes those decisions on their behalf."
Jo urged anyone who had not yet voted to do so as soon as possible.
"If you've still got your voting papers sitting at home, fill them out and get them to a council office, the Te Awamutu library or a supermarket near you.
"You've got until 12pm, Saturday 8 October but you cannot miss that deadline – there are no extensions given for late-comers."
She said council had placed orange ballot boxes in supermarkets including Countdown Cambridge and Te Awamutu, Fresh Choice Leamington and Te Awamutu, New World Cambridge and Pak'nSave Te Awamutu to make it easier to vote.
Council offices in Te Awamutu and Cambridge will also be open tomorrow from 9am-noon to give people the opportunity to vote and complete special votes if needed.
Jo said Tuesday, October 4 is the last day people should post their votes.
"After next Tuesday people should drop off their vote to a council office or in the ballot box at the Te Awamutu library or at a supermarket. Otherwise it won't reach us in time."
If residents haven't received their voting papers they should go into a council office to arrange a special vote.
"Special votes can no longer be posted out," she said.
Those contesting the Waipā mayoralty, councillor and community board seats can be found at www.waipadc.govt.nz/elections, along with their profile statements and contact details.
