Missing Voting Papers? – You can still VOTE

With just days left before voting closes in Hamilton City’s 2025 local elections, a number of candidates in Hamilton’s local body election, Horiana Henderson, Stuart Aitken, and Leo Liu, have approached Better Hamilton and said that quite a few people have spoken with them having not received their voting papers. If this is the case for you, do not worry you can still cast a special vote even without a voting pack, and it is easier than you might think.

Special Votes: Your Back-Up Ballot¹

If your EasyVote pack never arrived, or if you lost or damaged your voting papers, you can cast a special vote. This is a provisional ballot designed for voters who, for whatever reason, can’t make an ordinary vote. Other reasons you might need a special vote are include:

•               You weren’t on the final electoral roll but qualify to vote

•               You’ve moved house since August 1 and resided at your new address for over a

month

•               You’re away from home during the voting period

•               You’re voting as a ratepayer elector for a property you own but don’t live in

To make a special vote, head to Hamilton City Council offices or any Hamilton City Library. The Council website lists locations and opening times for service centres and libraries https://hamilton.govt.nz/elections2025/vote. Staff will help you fill out a special voting form and a statutory declaration—this ensures your vote is counted and prevents duplicate voting.

Key Deadlines and Locations²

•               Postal deadline: Post by Tuesday 7 October to ensure delivery

•               Voting closes: Midday, Saturday 11 October 2025

•               Drop-off option: Use one of the many orange vote boxes across the city until

noon on October 11

These bright orange bins are hard to miss and can be found at supermarkets, libraries, community centres, and even Mitre 10 Mega stores. A full list of locations is available on the Hamilton City Council website at https://hamilton.govt.nz/elections2025/vote.

Hamilton City Council is also running a Voting Van until midday on October 11. It’s visiting workplaces, events, and community hubs to help people vote—including issuing special votes. If your organisation wants a visit, email elections@hcc.govt.nz to book a slot.

How to Vote: Rank and Return

Hamilton uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for Hamilton City candidates. Instead of ticking boxes, you rank candidates in order of preference—1 for your top choice, 2 for your second, and so on. Just don’t skip numbers or repeat them. You can vote for as many or as few candidates as you like. However, be aware that voting for regional councillors does not use the same ranking system.

Need Help?

For questions or support:

•               Call the Electoral Commission: 0800 36 76 56

•               Contact Hamilton City Council: 07 838 6699 or elections@hcc.govt.nz

•               Visit vote.nz to check your enrolment or sign up before Friday, October 10

Bottom line: Even if your voting pack is missing, your voice still matters. Head to a council office, library, or Voting Van, and cast your special vote before the deadline. Hamilton’s future is in your hands. This is an essential election where major decisions will need to be made in relation to rates and water affordability as well as city debt. Hamilton needs change. Your vote can make that change - make it count.

¹https://hamilton.govt.nz/elections2025/vote

²https://www.votelocal.co.nz/information-for-voters/key-dates/

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