Polls open for early bird votes

Advance voting for the 2017 general election opened yesterday and political candidates are urging people to have their say.

Hutt South candidates Ginny Andersen, representing Labour, and Chris Bishop, of National, are encouraging people to register and vote – especially residents in their electorate.

‘‘We want everyone in Hutt South to get out and vote. A good democracy is when everyone is engaged,’’ Andersen said.

Wide representation meant a good contrast of ideas could be debated and better ideas could be turned into policy, she said.

Bishop said voting was an integral part of New Zealand’s democracy and it was a right that people had fought for.

‘‘It’s a precious right and something that not many people have [in other countries]. It’s important for people to come out and express their democratic will.’’

Turnout at election time has been decreasing over recent decades. Only 77.9 per cent of eligible voters turned out for the country’s 2014 vote, as opposed to 84.4 per cent in 1999 and 93.7 per cent in 1984.

One month out from this year’s election, 51,805 people – or 92.7 per cent of Hutt South voters – had registered. By this time in 2011, 93.7 per cent had enrolled.

Both candidates wanted to remind people it was not too late to register. Voters can even register and vote at the same time.

Eligible voters have until September 22 to enrol.

Registrations will not be accepted on election day.

People will be able cast their ballots until election day on September 23.

Lift needed, Editorial A6