Definitely. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a say - and if you don’t have a say, your voice is ignored.

A few votes can make all the difference in New Zealand elections, particularly for Parliament.

First up, there’s no one right way to make up your mind and there’s no such thing as the wrong choice – because it’s your choice!

Pick the best party or person to look after your interests or the issues that matter most to you as you see them. 

Policies, personalities, philosophy, past record, future promises, gut instinct or looking at the facts - you decide what's important to your decision, you don't have to consider them all.

You post in your vote for the local council and district health board elections this year. The next local elections will be held on Saturday 9 October 2010.

For local council elections, your voting papers, instructions and candidate info is posted out with a freepost envelope, so you just mail it back at no cost.

You only get your voting papers in the mail if you're enrolled.

First you need to be enrolled. Enrol or check your details now.

Then you will get your voting papers in the mail from 17 September 2010. All you need to do is make your choice and send your voting papers back by midday Saturday 9 October 2010.

For local council elections, your voting papers, instructions and candidate info is posted out with a freepost envelope, so once you've voted, you just mail it back at no cost.