Nick Smith: Nelson Mayor and Electoral Reform Group Chair on the need for updates to voting for local democracy - The Mike Hosking Breakfast

There’s a push for greater voter participation in local elections. 

Local Government New Zealand has established a new electoral reform group with hopes of increasing voter turnout. 

The group will also look at implementing four-year terms, consider the ways people can vote, and who should administer local elections. 

Nelson mayor and reform group chair Nick Smith told Mike Hosking that the current postal voting system isn't fit for purpose. 

He says 20% of households don't have a letterbox, so they need to find a practical voting system for local democracy to continue into the future. 

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