Random order chosen for fair local elections

Waipā election candidates will be listed in random order on voting documents for the upcoming 2025 local elections, giving those seeking election equal opportunity.

Three options were presented to Waipā District councillors on Wednesday to determine the order of candidate surnames on the voting documents.

The options included alphabetical, pseudo-random (the same random order on every document), and random (different random order on each document). Council opted for random order – the same format used during the 2016, 2019, and 2022 elections.

Governance Manager Jo Greed said that random ordering of candidate names was the fairest approach.

“This method removes the perception of name order bias as each voter will receive a voting paper with candidates in a different order. All candidates will have equal opportunity to be at the top of some voting papers, and the bottom of others."

The local elections in Waipā, which include the election of the Mayor, councillors, and community board members, are held every three years. Candidate nominations open Friday, July 4 and close Friday, August 1.

Elections will be conducted by postal vote with voting opening on Tuesday, September 9 and closing on Saturday, October 11.