FIRST TO VOTE

Chronicle (Levin), 23 November 1946, Page 6

FIRST TO VOTE

WELLINGTON, Nov. 22. With the exeeption of postal votes, the first persons to cast votes ih the coming general election were tlie erew of the plane running on the regular Air Force serviee to Japan. These men voted last Monday morning prior to tlie plane leaving on Tuesday. Serviee personnel are provided for under Members of the Forces Regulations, 1941, being antliorised to vote at a eonvenient time from the date of the close of nominations until 7 p.m. on the day preeeding the election. The officer in cliarge of the voting arrangements for the three Services within New Zealand is Captain R. J. G. Collilis. An oifieer of the Air Force stationed .at Whenuapai flcw to Norfolk Island last Tuesday for the purpose of taking tlie votes of pcrsonnel there and returned with the votes on Wedncsday. Altliohgh voting is taking place at tlie moment, there is 110 coinpuLsion being brought to bear. If any voter so desired he would be entitled to wait until November 26. When Serviee personnel vote under special provisions, all the voting papers are returned to Wellington to the returning officer who will count the votes, tlie iigures being telegraphed to eiviliau returning officers on Wednesday niglit for inclu-j sion in tlie returns. Results of the voting by members of J Force will come! through by cablegram 011 Wednesday. uext "as the closing date for the castingj of votes will be the day before.