Arousing a response in the 2023 elections

The quirky sign outside Boooks A Plenty in Tauranga. Supplied photo.

It’s intended as a bit of fun on the verge of a General Election … and right under the noses of the Electoral Commission.

“Electile dysfunction” announces the sandwich board outside Books A Plenty in Grey Street, downtown Tauranga.

The sign then elaborates on the disorder “electile dysfunction” which could resurface every three years.

It’s apparently “the inability to be aroused by any of the parties standing for election”.

Books A Plenty owner Sheree Brown says a friend shared the sign online and she thought it might be funny for customers and people walking past the shop. She wasn’t wrong.

“Lots of people have been photographing it and sharing it.” SunLive included.

“People have bought in and found it quite amusing.”

It’s a bit cheeky because there’s an Electoral Commission polling booth right next door to the book shop. Everyone coming or going would see it.

“It’s all good because they have had a bit of a chuckle as well.”

And could there be an element of truth in the sign? “Some people may feel that,” laughs Sheree. 

But in all seriousness, there are plenty of place for people to go and cast their vote.

More than 2600 polling booths are being set up across the country, 800 of which will open early, but almost 300 will not be open on polling day - many of them in remote locations, says the Electoral Commission.

The times and dates that voting places are open may vary, so people are encouraged to check the hours of their chosen voting place before they go.

All voting places that are open on election day, Saturday, October 14, will be open from 9am to 7pm.

Find a voting place on a map

Search for your address on the map to find a voting place near you. Voting places map

4 comments

Brilliance

Posted on 12-10-2023 13:11 | By Yadick

Absolutely priceless but PLEASE make your voice heard and vote. My Dad always said, if you don't vote, you have no right to complain.


Can't be bothered?

Posted on 13-10-2023 11:00 | By morepork

Although I smiled at the message, there is also a concern that the electorate is simply overrun with messages and promises from all the parties so that the credibility of politics in general is reduced to almost zero. We seem to have lost sight of the fact that there is a "civic duty" to participate. If nobody votes, there can be no democracy, and that would mean that the blood which was spilled to give us democratic freedom was all for nothing. It also means that whoever seizes power or organizes their followers the best, will be the rulers you never elected. It isn't just a tiresome inconvenience; it is something you really need to do. We have a fair and straight electoral system; a broad spectrum of political persuasions will all be melded into a parliament that will represent all of us. Be a part of it.


@Yadick

Posted on 13-10-2023 11:01 | By morepork

Good to see you are still around; I was getting worried... :-)


@ morepork

Posted on 14-10-2023 10:04 | By Yadick

Hi morepork
All is well thank you. I had always intended to visit my hometown in Russia but for obvious reasons that became a no go. My Wife and I decided a world tour would be great and so we visited many, many countries. Some new to us, some old to us. Then decided to embark on an Alaskan cruise - highly recommended.
Thank you for your welcome back. It's appreciated.


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