Everything you need to know about voting

The first past the post (FPP) electoral system will be used for all elections except for the Northland District Health Board which will use the single transferable voting (STV) electoral system.

FPP is a simple system where electors cast their vote by ticking in the box next to their preferred candidate. When the votes are counted the candidate with the most votes is elected.

With STV you vote for as many candidates as you want in order of preference.

There are just two candidates for the Far North mayoralty, compared with seven in 2013 and four in 2010.

Every voter has the right to vote for the mayor at large, but depending on where you live will determine which ward you vote in.

There are 22 candidates running for nine seats on council and 28 candidates for 19 community board seats.

Eleven community members have been board elected unopposed. Your ballot papers will tell you how many candidates you can vote for in your respective ward. The voting period is three weeks from September 16 to noon October 8.

Electors may post their completed voting documents back to the electoral officer using the orange pre-paid envelope sent with their voting document.

Polling places for special voting documents and for the receiving of completed voting documents will be available during the same period at all council offices.

Visit fndc.govt.nz/yourcouncil/local-governmentelections for more information.