Vote 2025, What, When, Where

With local body elections now officially open, voters in Invercargill and Bluff have more than a month to make their choice from a wide range of candidates.

Residents can cast their vote any time between now and midday on Saturday, 11 October. Invercargill City Council’s Electoral Officer Michael Morris encouraged people not to leave it to the last minute. “The sooner you decide who you’ve got your eye on, the easier you can rest knowing you’ve done your part in showing your community some love, and made your voice count in this year’s local elections,” he said.

In total, 27 candidates are running for seats on the Invercargill City Council, and eight are in the race for Mayor. Over in Bluff, seven people are competing for five spots on the Bluff Community Board, and eight candidates are seeking election to the Invercargill Licensing Trust.

For those still unsure about who to vote for, Morris recommended researching each candidate’s profile, which are available both online and in the printed voting pack. Council has also produced video profiles to help voters better understand where candidates stand on key issues. “There are plenty of fish in the sea, and eligible voters in our community have a wide range of candidates to choose from this year,” he said.

Candidates had also been given the opportunity to express their views on a range of topics in Council video profiles, which can be viewed by visiting icc.govt.nz/findyourmatch

“Taking the time to really think about which candidates align with your own priorities and values is critical in ensuring you select your perfect match. Having all of the information you need before you put pen to paper will help you make an informed decision on who you want to represent our community for the next three years.”

Morris added that voting was even easier than using a dating app.

People can drop their voting papers into a number of locations, including:

Invercargill Public Library
New World (Elles Rd and Windsor)
Mitre 10 Mega
The Warehouse
4 Square (Newfield, Otatara, Ascot, and Bluff)
Woolworths (Tay St and Waikiwi)
Stadium Southland
Plaza Supervalue
E Hayes and Sons
Environment Southland
Civic Building
Invercargill Central Elections Hub
Bluff Service Centre

Even if voters haven’t updated their enrolment details, they can still vote by visiting the elections hub in the mall, Civic building, or the Bluff Service Centre to cast a Special Vote.

Voting papers will be delivered to enrolled voters from today through to 22 September. Anyone who hasn’t received their papers after that should request a Special Vote either in person or by contacting the Council. Voters can also enrol up until Friday, 10 October, and still have their vote counted.

Progress results will begin rolling out on the evening of 11 October, once voting officially closes.

For more information on candidates: