ACT New Zealand Mt Albert candidate John Boscawen has lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer following news today that a Labour Party supporter told Chinese immigrant Jim Li that it is illegal not to vote in New Zealand.
“When phoned, Mr Li told Labour supporter that he did not wish to vote until June 13. He only agreed to vote early after he was told it was ’safer’ to vote now as missing voting on polling day was against the law,” Mr Boscawen said.
“I am deeply concerned that Mr Li was coerced into voting earlier than he intended, which could have affected his vote. Mt Albert has a large immigrant community and it would be easy for those not well versed in English to be misled into believing that it was compulsory.
“Upon speaking with the Electoral Commission they informed me that it would be launching an investigation and would let me know the outcome. It could not, however, tell me when the investigation would be completed.
“This is unacceptable. An investigation of this nature should be completed within 24 hours, to ensure that no other Mt Albert residents are coerced into voting early like Mr Li.
“Labour is clearly worried that ACT’s campaign is taking its votes. Labour supporters are trying to get Mt Albert residents down to the polling station as quick as possible before they get a chance to meet me and understand ACT’s campaign. Labour realises that once this happens, it has no real chance of winning,” Mr Boscawen said.
Tags: Mt Albert by-election