DCC gets behind STV for elections

THE Dunedin City Council is ready to back its single transferable voting (STV) system to the justice committee inquiry into the 2019 local elections.

The inquiry — routine after local elections — has asked for feedback on whether the Government should encourage, or require, the same voting system is used in all local elections.

The council’s draft submission says the council generally supports the idea, ‘‘however acknowledges that there are advantages and disadvantages with both voting systems [STV and first past the post]’’.

The city has used single transferable voting since 2004 after a poll showed Dunedinites wanted to scrap the firstpastthepost method.

Before last year’s election, University of Otago faculty of law professor Andrew Geddis explained how Dunedin’s voting method could be used ‘‘to not only help elect those candidates you like, but also keep out those candidates you really don't like’’.

In the 2019 polls, Cr Lee Vandervis led for much of the race for mayor, but when Cr Christine Garey was eliminated in the 12th iteration, and votes for her were redistributed to subsequent preferences, Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins went ahead.

In the 13th iteration, when Cr Andrew Whiley dropped out, the redistribution of his votes went Mr Hawkins' way, helping him secure the mayoralty.

The submission also supports online voting if it is found to increase voter turnout, and notes the council’s opposition to the recommendation that the Government hands over all responsibility for running elections to the Electoral Commission.

‘‘The [council] believes local authorities are best placed to determine the most appropriate approach for their communities and is concerned that a standardised approach may not address local issues and needs,’’ the draft submission reads.