The local elections are held in October and you need to be enrolled at the right address to get your voting papers in the mail. Here’s how you can make sure you’re enrolled and ready.
3.3 million packs were delivered to households across the country in the first week of July, one for each person on the electoral roll. It’s how the Electoral Commission checks the roll is up to date before the local elections are held.
“The local elections will be held by a postal vote and it’s really important that you’re listed at the right address to receive your voting papers,” says Mandy Bohté, National Manager of Enrolment and Community Engagement.
“Taking a few minutes to check your enrolment now means you’ll be able to have your say on who represents you on your local council and health board,” says Ms Bohté. “They make decisions on services you use every day so don’t miss out on voting.”
Check your pack
If you got a pack with a picture of Orange Guy on the front in your letterbox, check your details. If they’re right, you don’t need to do anything more. If they need updating, make the changes on the form and send it back.
Didn’t get a pack?
If you didn’t get a pack it means you’re not enrolled or your details are out of date, for example if you’ve moved house.
Thousands of people are taken off the electoral roll every year because they have moved and not updated their details.
You can enrol or update your address by filling in a new enrolment form. Go online at vote.nz, go to a PostShop to get a form, or call 0800 36 76 56 and ask for a form to be sent to you.
Enrolment deadline
If you enrol or update your details by 16 August, your voting papers will be sent to you in the mail. You can enrol after 16 August, but you'll need to contact your local electoral officer to arrange a special vote. The last day to enrol to vote in the local elections is 11 October.
Who can enrol and vote
Anyone on the electoral roll can vote in the local elections where they live.
You can enrol and vote if you are 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and you’ve lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life. Go online to vote.nz for more information in different languages.
Election dates
Postal voting for the local elections will start on Friday 20 September and close on Saturday 12 October 2019.
The elections are held to choose who will be on city, district and regional councils, and District Health Boards.
For more information: https://vote.nz/