Six locations across the Western Bay of Plenty will host a Poll Party this Saturday, as the district council tries to ramp up excitement about the Local Body Elections.

The Poll parties – at Waihī Beach United Church carpark, Katikati's The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, Ōmokoroa Pavilion, council's head office at Barkes Corner, Te Puke Library and Maketu Community Centre – will be on offer from 9am-3pm and give Western BOP residents a chance to vote in the Local Body Elections.

Council CEO John Holyoake says these parties are to bring the ballot box to more easily accessible locations across the district – with an element of fun thrown in.

'The Poll Parties are a chance to exercise your democratic right to vote by dropping off your completed and already-sealed papers into the ballot box, before you soak up the party atmosphere.”

The only way for residents to vote in the Local Body Elections – as there is no online option – is by filling out voting forms they receive in their letterbox.

Once filled out residents will need to either post them in the mail or drop them in a polling booth.

The council's Poll Parties are another place residents can drop off completed forms and have some fun once voting.

John says it's crucial to bring voting options closer to homes so everyone in the district has an opportunity to have their say.

'A wide range of candidates have put their hands up from around the rohe, but you decide who gets the job of representing you on important decisions. So, you need to vote for your voice to be heard.

'We've got you covered with our Poll Parties, so you don't have to travel far.

'There's no need to RSVP, just grab your completed and already-sealed voting papers and we'll see you there.”

Plus, all council library and service centres will have ballot boxes available to drop off votes, during business hours until noon Saturday, October 8.

If you didn't receive a voting pack in the mail by September 21, you can request a special voting pack to be posted out to you.

This can be done at council's library and service centres, calling council on 0800 926 732 or contacting Election Services on 0800 922 822.

For more information on Western BOP's elections, visit generationchange.nz.