Vote in an election

Once you’re enrolled, you can vote in general elections, by-elections, referendums and local elections.

How to vote

Find out:

  • when and where you can vote
  • what you need to do before you vote
  • what support is available if you need help to vote.

What to do when voting in an election — Electoral Commission

general election — enrol so you can vote

Enrol anytime, including on the day of the general election.

Enrol to vote

Vote from overseas

Find out if you’re eligible and how to vote from overseas.

Vote from overseas — Electoral Commission

Types of elections you can vote in

General election

NZ general elections happen every 3 years. In a general election you have 2 votes — 1 vote for a political party and 1 vote for a candidate you want to represent the area you live in (called your electorate).

general election — when you can vote

If you’re enrolled, you can vote from to .

2023 general election: overview — Electoral Commission

Where you can vote in the general election

You can vote early during the advance voting period, to . The Electoral Commission lists:

If you cannot get to a voting place

When, where and how you vote are a little different if you cannot get to a voting place.

If you cannot get to a voting place — Electoral Commission

By–election

This is where there is a vacancy and you vote to elect a new candidate to represent your electorate. These are held as they are needed.

Referendum

A referendum is where you vote on a question. These can be held at the same time as the general election or they can be held separately.

Local elections

You vote for the people to represent you in your local authority, such as voting for councillors for your local council. Local elections are held every 3 years.

Utility links and page information

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