Residents reminded of right to call for poll on voting system

Gore District Council is reminding residents they have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system used for future local elections.

The Council has confirmed it will continue to use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2028 triennial election unless electors successfully call for and approve a change through a poll.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, electors can demand a poll to determine whether Gore District Council should retain the FPP system or change to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said residents have an opportunity to decide whether they would like the question put to voters.

"Council has resolved to continue using the First Past the Post electoral system for the 2028 election. However, legislation provides electors with the right to request a poll on whether FPP or STV should be used for future elections."

To trigger a poll, a written demand must be signed by at least 645 people, that is five per cent of eligible Gore District electors and delivered to Gore District Council by 5pm on Friday 11 December 2026.

Every elector who signs the demand must provide their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector within the Gore District.

If a valid demand is received by the deadline, a poll must be held no later than 28 March 2027. The result would apply to the 2028 and 2031 local elections.

If a valid demand is received after 11 December 2026, the poll would be held later and the result would instead apply to the 2031 and 2034 local elections.

Information about the First Past the Post and Single Transferable Vote electoral systems is available from the Electoral Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs.

Poll demand requirements

A valid demand must:

· Be made in writing.

· Be signed by at least five per cent of eligible Gore District electors.

· Include the full name and qualifying address of every elector who signs the demand.

· Be delivered to Gore District Council, 29 Bowler Avenue, Gore, by 5pm on Friday 11 December 2026.