The Hamilton City Council East Ward By-election has been extended until midday on 25 August following the nation’s move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 overnight.
Voting in the By-election was due to close at midday today, but Council’s Governance Manager, Becca Brooke said the voting period was able to be extended by the Electoral Officer in emergency situations.
“In order to enable a fair democratic process and allow all voting papers to be collected from ballot boxes across the city and from those who intended to drop off their votes or do a special vote tomorrow, we need to extend the voting period,” Ms Brooke said.
“Because of the lockdown, we can’t be confident any votes posted between now and the new closing date would reach the Electoral Office in time, but Brooke said Council will organise a drop-off voting option when Hamilton moves to a lower Alert Level.
“When the Government announces it is safe to exit Alert Level 4, we will organise an appropriate option for voters to return their voting pack or complete a special vote,” she said.
Council says special votes can still be made if Council facilities (the Municipal Building and libraries branches) open before 25 August.
