Voters are having their say in the Ashburton District, with 24.86 per cent of potential votes returned as at Tuesday evening, and about halfway through the voting period.

The return is highest in the Western Ward, at 29.96 per cent, where voters are being asked to choose two of the three candidates up for election. In the Ashburton ward, the return is 24.49 per cent, with voters choosing five candidates from nine up for election.

Group Manager of Democracy and Engagement Toni Durham said the Eastern Ward turnout is behind at this point at 21.02 per cent, with voters only being asked to choose a Mayor.

“It’s likely down in the Eastern Ward because voters there do not need to choose their councillors, with two people standing for two seats. But it’s really important that they do vote though, as they need to have a say in electing our next mayor.”

Four candidates are contesting the mayoralty, after Mayor Neil Brown declared he was standing down after 21 years in local government.

Voter turnout at neighbouring Selwyn District is 18.67 per cent and at Timaru 24.02 per cent.

Mrs Durham said voter turnout in the Ashburton District was around 50 per cent in the 2022 local elections and while that was higher than most other councils in the country, it was important the number participating in local democracy did not decline.

“One of the reasons people give for not voting is that they don’t know the candidates, so these elections Council has done more to share candidate information, including hosting meet-the-candidate meetings and producing videos for candidates so they can introduce themselves to the community.

“Council has a big impact on people’s daily lives, from drinking water to roads and rubbish collection, and this is the time for voters to choose those who make decisions about these key services.”

Postal votes must be in the mail by Tuesday 7 October, so that they reach election headquarters before voting closes at noon on 11 October.

Voting papers can also be posted into any one of the six orange postal bins that are dotted around the Ashburton District. The bins are at Ashburton Library and Council's Customer Service counter, EA Networks Centre, Tinwald FreshChoice, Rakaia Mobil and Methven Four Square.

No voting papers? No problem, you can make a special vote by visiting Council at 2 Baring Square East, but you have to be enrolled first.

Those unable to visit during office hours or who would like further help, should come to a special voting drop-in session at Ashburton Library on Saturday 4 October from 10am until 2pm.

For all local election information, visit voteashburton.nz