Voters may demand poll on electoral systems (STV and FPP)

Under Section 28(1) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, those who are enrolled to vote in Nelson have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used for elections of Nelson City Council. The choice is between the Single Transferable Vote (STV) and the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral systems.

Unless a poll determines otherwise, STV will be used for the 2025 election of Nelson City Council, as resolved by the Council on 13 August 2020.

To be valid under the Act, any demand for a poll must:

Be in writing
Specify which of the two systems is proposed to be used for elections of Nelson City Council (STV or FPP)
Be signed by at least five percent of eligible voters of Nelson City Council (this will require a minimum of 1,964 voter signatures), and
Be delivered to the office of Nelson City Council, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson no later than 11 December 2023.

NOTE: Next to their signature, everyone who signs a demand must also provide their full name and the address at which they are qualified to vote for Nelson City Council.

If a valid demand is received by 11 December 2023, the poll will be held by 14 March 2024, and the result will apply for the 2025 and 2028 triennial local elections.

If a valid demand is received after 11 December 2023, the poll will be held after 14 March 2024, and the result will apply for the 2028 and 2031 elections.

For further information, please contact Devorah Nícuarta-Smith

Deputy Electoral Officer/ Manager Governance and Support Services devorah.nicuartasmith@ncc.govt.nz, 03 546 0391