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Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1925, Page 2

'l'm: legislation passed In-t session which provided for compulsory registration of electors, contained also an important amendment in respect to absent voters. Previously it was incumbent to obtain a permit to vote ill special form when absent from the electorate on polling day. That re(|uire!uents is dispensed with now. and it is provided that any registered elector is entitled to vote at any polling booth outside the district in which he is enrolled in terms of the regulations proscribed for the recording of such votes. This is the case at the time of a general election. In the tase of n bye-election tlie absent voter may vote in the manner prescribed in the regulations at any post office outside the electorate at ally time on polling day that the post oflii g is open lor the transaction ol ordinary business. 1 hose

provisions apply also in respect to any poll taken under the Licensing Act. but do not apply in the case ol seamen’s votes lor which other special legislation is provided lor voting. I lie change now made simplifies the whole procedure, and makes the way easier for the absentee voter to record his own vote when through loree oi circumstances lie or she is out of the electorate on polling day. No doubt :is a consequence of ibis wider provision there will lie a marked increase ill the number of absent votes on polling (lav.

In various dire'lions just now the electors of New Zealand are being urged to enrol. As t>- matter of fact en-

rolment in the I'Joininion is now compulsory on the part ol those with the necessary status. The qualifications of nil elector are that the age i- not under 21 years; British by birth or naturalisation; twelve months’ residence in the Dominion, and not less than three months in the district at the time of application for enrolment. Although enrolment is compulsory, the Prime Minister lias indicated that the penal clauses for failure to enrol will not be enforced except- in extraordinary eases. Those who are not oil the- electoral roll would therefore be well advised to apply without delay, and application cards are obtainable at. all post offices. 11l the ordinary course a general election will take place in less than two months’ time, so that those eligible for election should not delay unduly, but post their cards to the Hegistrar at Hokitika to enable nnv necessary enquiries to he made before the enrolment is passed •in a My. All names coining in

will appear on the supplementary roll, (lie main roll having been printed and now in general circulation.