Low voter turn out plagues East Ward by-election

Friday, 16 February 2024

Voter fatigue could be behind the low turn-out in this year’s East Ward by-election, says Hamilton City Council.

Despite voting closing at midday on Saturday, just 10,510 (18.63%) eligible voters had returned their voting packs on Friday.

56,408 voting packs were delivered to letterboxes on the east side of the river.

The by-election was triggered when former councillor Ryan Hamilton stepped down after winning the Hamilton East seat for National at the general election.

There are 16 candidates in total vying for the vacant East Ward seat on the city council.

Deputy Electoral Officer Amy Viggers said many people have other things on their mind around this time of year and voters may have been fatigued given the recent general election.

“Then we had Christmas, and it has been back to school and work, and yet the tertiary academic year has not started. These are all factors which could have impacted voting.”

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There has been a nationwide trend toward lower voter turnout in local elections, Viggers said.

“Turnout is impacted by different variables such as the candidates, topical issues and time of year. For instance, this by-election has covered several public holidays, and the last by-election had the voting timeframe extended due to Covid.

“We have had feedback that postal voting can be a hassle for voters. As much as we’d like to offer a digital voting alternative, currently, the law constrains how our elections are held.”

All local elections in New Zealand must be held by postal vote and a change would require a change in legislation.

Viggers said she strongly encouraged everyone on the east of the river to vote. “It’s your chance to pick the people that you think will best represent you and the issues you care about.”

On Saturday morning you can drop your voting pack at Waterworld or Gallaghers pools, Rototuna St James Pharmacy, Hillcrest, Chartwell or Te Kete Aronui Rototuna libraries or the Council Municipal building in Garden Place. If you don't have a voting pack, you can cast a special vote at any of those three libraries.