Back to the booths for local elections?

An ongoing drop in voter turnout for local elections has prompted calls for a return to in-person voting rather than postal ballots.

The Albert-Eden Local Board, which covers a number of inner Auckland suburbs, also wants the Electoral Commission to be responsible for running the local polls.

The board's resolution came at its meeting last month, and will form part of Auckland Council's review of the 2025 local elections.

Turnout across Auckland fell to less than 30 percent last year. In the 2023 general election, turnout across the region was in the 70s or even 80s.

Albert-Eden board members said they hoped a move to in-person voting in the next local elections due in 2028 would lead to an increase in voter turnout, even if it cost more than the current postal voting system.

The board has no powers to implement its suggested changes, but its submission will now go to the wider Auckland Council for discussion.