Initiating a poll

How to and on what

When the Council passes certain decisions, it will put out a notice which outlines the public’s right to demand a poll on the matter. In these cases, a petition from at least 5% of electors within the region is needed in order to initiate the poll.

Council is legally obliged to advertise the right to demand a poll in relation to the electoral system, and when the Council has resolved to establish or disestablish Māori constituencies.

Electoral systems

If any changes are made to the electoral system by the Council, it is required under the Local Electoral Act 2001 to publicly notify the right to demand a poll on the issue. Similarly, at any time, the public may initiate a poll concerning the election system. Both of these demands require 5% of the electorate to sign the demand. The results of these polls are binding.