In this article
- Who can vote by telephone dictation voting?
- How do I vote by telephone dictation voting?
- Why do I have to register to vote by telephone dictation voting?
- What information do I need to provide to register for telephone dictation voting?
- When is the last chance I can register to vote by telephone dictation voting?
- What number do I call to register for telephone dictation voting?
- When can I vote by telephone dictation voting?
Who can vote by telephone dictation voting?
Voters who in New Zealand and who are overseas can vote using the telephone dictation service if they are blind, or who are partially blind or have another physical disability that means they are unable to mark their voting paper without assistance.
How do I vote by telephone dictation voting?
Eligible voters first need to register to vote by telephone dictation. To register you need to call the Telephone Dictation Voting service on 0800 028 028 from New Zealand or by calling +64 4 4712000 if you are overseas. (note international rates may apply).
You may be asked to select option 1 to register or option 2 to vote.
They will give you a personal registration number and you will need to set a secret question that you know the answer to.
When you call back to vote you don't need to give your name. Just give the electoral official your personal registration number and the answer to your secret question. The electoral official won't know your identity.
A second official will confirm that your ballot paper has been marked according to your instructions.
Why do I have to register to vote by telephone dictation voting?
You need to register so we can confirm your eligibility to vote by telephone dictation voting. We also need to give you a personal registration number, so your vote is secret when you call back.
What information do I need to provide to register for telephone dictation voting?
You will need to confirm that you:
- Are blind
- are partially blind; or
- have a physical disability which prevents you from marking a ballot paper without assistance
You will also need to
confirm that you are located in New Zealand or overseas. If you are located overseas you need to also confirm that you are eligible to vote as described here.
Once you have confirmed you are eligible to use the service and vote, you will need to give your name, date of birth, address and telephone number so the electoral official can check if you're on the electoral roll and complete a declaration for a special vote on your behalf.
Providing this information when you register means you don't have to give your identity when you call back to vote.
When is the last chance I can register to vote by telephone dictation voting?
You must be registered to vote by telephone dictation by noon on election day.
What number do I call to register for telephone dictation voting?
Please call 0800 028 028 from New Zealand or +64 4 4712000 if calling from overseas. Please note international rates may apply.
When can I vote by telephone dictation voting?
Registration opens the day after Writ day and will close on election day at 5pm (NZ time). Voting will open 2 ½ weeks before election day and will close at 7pm (NZ Time) on election.
Operating hours will be confirmed prior to each electoral event and will be advertised on the Commission’s website vote.nz