Access to information could be a barrier for getting people to vote in local government elections

Voting opened across the country yesterday, and will stay open for a month, before polls close on October 11.

Traditionally the turnout for local body elections has been low, with around 40 percent of eligible voters casting their ballot.

Local Government New Zealand Chief Executive Scott Necklen says platforms like Policy.nz, provide voters fair access to information about candidates.

He says a campaign is being driven to promote information - and wants to see the voter turnout jump to 50 percent.