ELECTION ROLLS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20655, 8 September 1941, Page 7

ELECTION ROLLS

INTENSIVE PURGING MONTHS OF HARD WORK SUPPLEMENTARY NAMES Though official sources are unable to give any information concerning the probability of the general elections being held this year, workers on behalf of the two principal parties are leaving nothing to chance. For months these workers have been checking up on names and addresses on the roll used at the last election, and making every effort to see that no qualified electors are left off the roll this year. Another phase of their activity is in purging the roll of names of people now living in other parts, or deceased. It has been found that numerous past residents of the district are still listed in the electoral roll for Gisborne, and the district electoral officer has had much assistance from interested party workers in clearing up the lists. Now' on issue to a considerable number of persons named on the old rolls are instructions to report to the electoral officer and show cause why they should not be struck off the roll. These orders are issued on the lodgment of electors' objections, by means of which any elector may draw attention to an apparent anomaly. Some of the recipients of such orders have been surprised—in a few instances to the extent of exacerbation—when advised that their bona fides are in question. However, the activity shown in this direction should assist materially in clearing up the roll for the district. The electoral officer in Gisborne, Mr. E. G. Rhodes, stated to-day that while the main roll of electors will close on Monday, September 8, those who overlook the opportunity to get on the main roll will be afcle to repair the oversight when the supplementary roll is opened. He mentioned that enrolment for electoral purposes is a statutory obligation of every qualified person. The opening of (he supplementary roll will be directed by the chief electoral officer, Wellington, who also will issue instructions as to the closing date. Normally, the closing date coincides with the issue of writs for a general election or by-election.