Local Government New Zealand is urging anyone who hasn't received voting papers in the mail to pop into their local council office or contact their local electoral officer to make a special vote in their local elections.

'If you haven't received local election voting papers in the mail, don't worry, there's still time to make a special vote,” says LGNZ chief executive Malcolm Alexander.

'Either pop into your local council office to enrol and vote at the same time, or give your local electoral officer a call to obtain a special voting paper, then either mail or drop it back to council, so it arrives before midday Saturday October 12.”

A list of electoral officers for each council can be found at www.vote2019.co.nz

Special votes are typically made when an eligible elector hasn't enrolled before August 16, and therefore won't receive voting papers in the mail. They can also be made if the voting paper has been damaged or lost, if it's not practicable for the elector to cast an ordinary vote or if the elector is on the Unpublished Roll.

'Local government is shaping the future of New Zealand through the provision of our vital infrastructure such as roads, three waters and public transport, as well as our town centres, parks, recreation facilities and much more,” says Malcolm.

'Local elections are a chance for New Zealanders to take action on the issues affecting them directly.”

LGNZ is also urging people to send their postal votes on Vote Day – this Saturday October 5.

'Voting papers have to arrive at council offices by midday Saturday October 12, so sending them in on Vote Day gives them plenty of time to get through the postal system,” says Malcolm.

For more information about local elections visit www.vote2019.co.nz

For information about the Tauranga City Council elections, click here:

For information about the Western Bay of Plenty District Council elections, click here: