Electors.

The electors, who directly choose the Lower House, and indirectly appoint the Upper Chamber, are in New Zealand the all-powerful rulers. Adult suffrage is in full swing, and the secrets of the ballot-box are inviolable. In voting-power the servant girl, therefore, is equal to her millionaire master, for “no person is entitled to be registered on more than one electoral roll within the Colony, whatever the number or nature of the qualifications he or she may possess, or whatever they may be. Women are not qualified for election to the House of Representatives or for appointment to the Legislative Council.”

The “freehold” qualification consists in the possession of a freehold valued at or over £25, for at least six months prior to registration; and the “residential” qualification is by virtue of a twelve-months' residence in the Colony, and a three-months' residence in the particular district for which registration is claimed.

Commercial travellers, seamen, and shearers actually employed as such, are allowed to take out “electors' rights,” which enable them to exercise their votes though absent from their districts on the day of election.

Another important change made by “The Electoral Act of 1893” is the striking off the Roll of the name of every elector who has failed to record his or her vote at the preceding election, thus necessitating the re-registration of all electors who may be desirous of voting at the next election, but who, through absence, forgetfulness, or design, neglected to vote at the last.

page break