Western Bay of Plenty District Council is out to create a buzz around voting, with six Poll Parties across the district ahead of the October 8 Local Body Elections.

Council CEO John Holyoake says these parties are to bring the ballot box to more easily accessible locations with an element of fun thrown in.

John says the Poll Parties are a chance to exercise your democratic right to vote by dropping off your completed and already-sealed papers into the ballot box, before you soak up the party atmosphere.

"The only way to vote is by filling out the voting forms you will receive in your letterbox from September 16. Then you need to either post them in the mail or drop them in a polling booth. There is no online option.

"This means the Poll Parties are the place to drop off your completed forms and have some fun once you have voted."

John says it's crucial to bring voting options closer to homes so everyone in the district has an opportunity to have their say.

'A wide range of candidates have put their hands up from around the rohe, but you decide who gets the job of representing you on important decisions. So, you need to vote for your voice to be heard.

'We've got you covered with our Poll Parties, so you don't have to travel far.

"There's no need to RSVP, just grab your completed and already-sealed voting papers and we'll see you there.

"If you can't make it to one of our Poll Parties, all Council library and service centres will have ballot boxes available to drop off your votes, during business hours, from Friday September 16 to noon Saturday October 8."

It's all happening on Saturday September 24 from 9am-3pm at the following locations:

• Waihī Beach Church carpark

• Katikati Memorial Hall

• Ōmokoroa Pavilion

• Barkes Corner

• Te Puke Library

• Maketu Community Centre

For more information on Western Bay's elections, visit generationchange.nz online.