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Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1927, Page 2

It is perhaps as well to remind the Electors uho will he voting in the municipal elections on Wednesday, that the occasion will call for some care. Not only is there a lengthy lisi of candidates from whom to make a i hoice of representatives, hut the form of ballot papers has been changed, as also the style of voting. The torn, and style now follows that of the general election. The adopted system l be used on Wednesday is to strike out the name of the candidates for whom the voter does not \i isli to vote. Voters must exercise care and iiol follow ti. old pracliic of placing a cross against the names of those it is desired to vote for. Voters must also exercise care as to the number of names to be struck out, and not leave more than the number required to lie elected, cancelled. They may leave less but leaving more will make the paper invalid and il will not be considered in the count. In some of the municipalities there are great numbers to be struck out, and the point is being urged in some centres that is was a mistake to alter the system of crosses, as there is less danger of invalidity through wrong numbers being left in. However, tbe law now is to strike out, and electors must take care to see that the;, conform with the stipulated procedure. On account of these noils being held locally it will he necessary for electors to avoid congestion in the afternoon, when so many make it a point of voting. It will he a convenience also for the officials if the rule of voting early is practiced -mo as to avoid the late afternoon rush. The poll will close at 7 o’clock in the evening. It; is for the electors to assist the authorities in as early attendance as possible, and to study the instructions to voters on each ballot paper before exercising their votes. Some consideration in that respect will avoid the liability to invalidity and assure the votes recorded being accepted in the count. The new method of voting in particular should he impressed on the minds of voters, who must understand the system of a cross is now obsolete, ail'd it is essential to strike out tbe names of the candidates for whom it is desired not to vote.