In this article:

1. Why is it so important for people to enrol?
2. Who can enrol to vote?
3. Can I enrol if I am 17?
4. Can overseas voters enrol on election day?
5. Can I enrol if I am homeless?
6. Can prisoners vote?
7. Will voting services be provided to people in prisons?
8. Why do we have to enrol in order to vote?

Why is it so important for people to enrol?

You need to be enrolled for your vote to count in the election and referendums.

Who can enrol to vote?

You’re eligible to 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.

The following people are not eligible to enrol and vote:

• New Zealand citizens who have not been in New Zealand within the last 3 years.
• New Zealand permanent residents who have not been in New Zealand within the last 12 months.
• Individuals who have to leave New Zealand by a set date, such as a date on a student, work, or visitor permit.
• Those serving a prison sentence in a New Zealand prison three years or more in length.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, call 0800 36 76 56 or talk to your local Registrar of Electors.

Can I enrol if I am 17?

No – but you can fill out an enrolment form now. On your 18th birthday, we’ll automatically enrol you and you’ll be ready to vote.

Can overseas voters enrol on election day?

No, if you are voting from overseas you will not be able to enrol on election day. If you are overseas, make sure you enrol early to allow time for your enrolment to be processed.  You will not be able to download your voting papers unless your enrolment has been confirmed.

Can I enrol if I am homeless?

If you are homeless, you can enrol at the address where you spend a substantial part of your time. You can also enrol at the last residential address where you lived for at least one month, even if that was some time ago.

When you enrol to vote, you'll need to provide a postal address where electoral mail, such as enrolment confirmations, can be sent. The postal address could be a PO Box, or the address of a friend, family member, church or support group, but it needs to be someone who will agree to hold your mail for you to collect.

Can prisoners vote?

Voting services will be provided to prisoners on remand and prisoners sentenced to less than 3 years.

Will voting services be provided to people in prisons?

The Electoral Commission will work with the Department of Corrections to provide voting services either in person by our mobile teams, or by delivering and picking up voting papers (takeaway votes). Voting services will be provided to prisoners on remand and prisoners sentenced to less than 3 years.

Why do we have to enrol in order to vote?

The electoral roll is a list of all the people who are eligible and registered in a particular area. It means we can send people information that helps make voting easier on the day and helps ensure one person – one vote.