Voting for the Cromwell Community Board by-election closes at noon on Friday and at the time the Otago Daily Times went to print only 23.21% of those eligible — 1495 people — had exercised their right to vote.
This is despite being spoiled for choice — seven candidates stepped forward to fill the remaining seat on the Cromwell Community Board — compared with October’s local body election, where the need to vote was removed because the number of candidates standing — four — equalled the seats available.
The by-election was triggered after Sarah Browne was also elected to the Central Otago District Council, vacating her spot on the community board.
Cromwell Community Board chairwoman Anna Harrison said the low voter turnout was "really disappointing" and she would "love to see the number of votes in by Friday increase significantly".
"This is a really crucial by-election to add an additional person to our team to bring new perspectives, ideas and solutions," she said.
"We have huge projects in the pipeline for our community and would encourage everyone to get engaged with the work of the board and get out and vote."
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan echoed those sentiments, and said he was concerned about the flow-on effects of people not voting.
"This turnout so far is disappointing given seven local people have put their hands up to serve on the board," Mrs Harrison said.
"Cromwell folk should not take the existence of the board for granted in these changing times for local government and if they want to send a signal to Wellington that they don’t value having their own board, then not bothering to vote is surely the best way to do that."
While it is now too late for postal votes, ballot papers can be dropped in the orange ballot bins at Cromwell Fresh Choice, Cromwell New World, the Cromwell Library, Cromwell Service Centre and council offices in Alexandra until noon on Friday.
