Postal Voting to Be Possible

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 9

Postal Voting to Be Possible

ELECTORAL LAWS BILL BEFORE HOUSE t THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. rPHE electoral system of New •*- Zealand undergoes a number of important alterations through the Legislature Amendment Bill which was introduced into the House of Representatives to-day and read the first time. Postal voting is made possible under certain conditions. The measure constitutes a permanent electoral commission for the whole of New Zealand co' uprising the Surveyor-General, Government Statistician and Chief Electoral Officer, iu place of the two commissions (one for each Island) which hitherto have dealt with the apportionment of boundaries. No material alteration has been effected in the machinery clauses relating to the functions of the commission and the recent boundary revision and findings of the commissions will not be effected by this bill. Those who are entitled to vote by the new postal provisions are: Any registered elector who Is absent from New Zealand on polling day,

Those outside the five-mile distance from the nearest practicable route to the booth. Those travelling under conditions as to preclude them from voting, Those ill or inflrm and women approaching maternity, Each lighthouse keeper, together with his wife, family and staff. Penalties under this provision are set at a maximum of £IOO and, in the case of imprisonment, not to exceed 12 months. General election writs are made returnable in 40 days instead of 28 days as at present. The object of this is to give the returning officers longer time to get their material and to make the count. It is further provided that nominations will close not less than 10 and not more than 17 days before polling day.

In reply to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. F. J. Rolleston said that the bill would open up the question of representation. Mr. D. G. Sullivan: Will it raise the question of South Island representation?

Mr. Rolleston: It repeals the existing provisions and deals with new ones.

Mr. J. A. Lee: In what respect does it alter the quota? Mr. Rolleston: No alteration is made in the quota. There is provision for postal voting, but the majority of the clauses are minor amendments to the principal Act.