Man cast 11 votes in election

A Christchurch man has admitted voting 11 times in last year’s General Election.

Michael Shane Turner, 45, travelled to 11 different polling stations around the city to cast votes in the September 23 election.

He said he wanted to “boost the vote numbers for his chosen political party”, the Christchurch District Court was told yesterday.

It was not revealed which party Tuner voted multiple times for.

In 2007, Turner applied to be enrolled on the unpublished electoral roll.

On September 11 last year, Turner visited Shirley Library and cast an advanced vote in the General Election by signing a Declaration by Special Voter

In all instances, that vote cast by the defendant was for the same political party, and the same local electorate candidate. Police summary of facts

and submitting a completed ballot paper.

Over the next 10 days, he cast a further six advance votes at various polling stations around the city.

On election day, Turner cast four Special Votes at various city stations.

“In all 11 instances, that vote cast by the defendant was for the same political party, and the same local electorate candidate,” the police summary of facts says.

Later, he told police he didn’t know it was wrong to vote more than once.

Turner was charged with personation, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail or a $40,000 fine.

Judge John Strettell yesterday said the offending “strikes at the heart of society” and as to how elections are conducted.

However, the judge noted that Turner had a “limited understanding” of his actions and granted him a conviction and discharge.

If Turner was to reoffend within six months, he would have to come back to court and be resentenced.