Voting papers are on their way to enrolled voters as voting opens for the 2022 local body elections.

Voting is open for Invercargill City Council, Bluff Community Board and the Invercargill Licensing Trust, as well as Southland District Council, Environment Southland and Gore District Council.

Enrolled voters will receive their papers in the post and can deliver them to the Civic Administration Building, the Bluff Service Centre, the Gore District Council, the Southland District Council, or they can mail them.

A Vote Murihiku Election Hub is set to open in the new Invercargill Central mall in Esk St on Monday 19 September, where people can also cast their vote.

Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer and Manager Governance and Legal Michael Morris said while election day is technically on Saturday, October 8, voting started from Friday, 16 September.

The Election Hub would be the place for people to get all the information they may need to take part in the democratic process, drop off their postal vote, or do a special vote, Morris said.

“We have information on all the candidates across all Councils and licensing trusts in Southland and people ready to help make sure everyone who wants to can stand up and vote for those they want as representatives,” he said.

Council Chief Executive Clare Hadley encouraged the community to pop in to the hub, enjoy the space and get the information they needed to make an informed choice.

“We know that these local body elections have gained a lot of interest, and we are already a region that gets a great voter turnout,” Hadley said.

“We were thrilled with the recent Mayoral Debate and the turnout we had there, and we are equally pleased with the number of candidates who have put their names forward.

“We hope to see an equal amount of enthusiasm for voting.”

Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, Gore District Council, and Environment Southland have come together in collaboration for Vote Murihiku 2022 to encourage as many people as possible across Murihiku Southland to take part in the elections this year.

For more information, visit icc.govt.nz/elections.