LOCAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15593, 27 April 1914, Page 9

LOCAL ELECTIONS.

* . NEW LAWS IN FORCE. FORBIDDEN PRACTICES. I.v connection with the polls to be taken next Wednesday for tin* election of Mayors in the boroughs of Mount Eden, Mount Albert, and Takapuna, an important amendment to the law, which came into force on March 1 last, will operate. The same prohibitory clauses which apply to Parliamentary elections in respect of influencing voters now apply to local elections.

Under clause 16 of the Loral Elections and Polls Act of last session every person is liable to a fine not exceeding £20 who at .'i' local election, such as those pending, in .'•!)>• way interferes with an elector, either in the polling-booth or while onjiis way to -It, with the intention of influencing 'him or advising him as to his vote. A similar fine is the penalty for printing, distributing, or delivering to any person on the day of the poll, or within three days immediately preceding it, " anything being or purporting to be in imitation of any voting-paper to be used at the poll, and having thereon the names of the candidates or any of them, together with any direction or indication 36 to how any person should vote, or in any way containing such direction or indication, or having thereon any matter likely to influence any '•ote." The amending Act also mikes strict provision in clause 22 against any infringements of the secrecy of polls at local elections. Steps are being taken by the police to enforce the new; law in connection with the forthcoming Mayoralty elections.