Enrol to vote

You can vote in NZ elections if you’re eligible and you’ve added your name to an electoral roll.

Who can enrol to vote

If you’re eligible, you must enrol by adding your name to an electoral roll.

When to enrol

To vote in a general election, you need to enrol at least 13 days before the election day.

For local elections, the enrolment deadline is the day before the election day.

It’s quick and easy to enrol well before elections.

general election

The next general election is on . The last day to enrol is .

Key dates:

  • — Last day for enrolled Māori to change roll type
  • — Overseas voting starts
  • — Last day to enrol
  • — Advanced voting starts
  • — Election day

2026 general elections timetable — Electoral Commission

Enrolling to vote in an NZ election from overseas

How to enrol or check your details

Depending on your eligibility and the choice you make, you can enrol for either the general roll or the Māori roll.

Online is the quickest way to enrol or update your details

You can enrol to vote or update your enrolment details online.

Enrol or update your details online — Electoral Commission

When you cannot enrol or update online

If you cannot go online, there are other ways you can enrol or update your details.

Other ways to enrol — Electoral Commission

Help to enrol or update your details

Support is available to help you enrol. You can also assist someone else to enrol if they need help.

Need help to enrol — Electoral Commission

Not safe for you to publicly enrol? Go on the unpublished roll

Apply to go on the unpublished roll if you’re worried for yours or your family’s safety. Your details stay private, confidential.

Can you go on the unpublished roll? — Electoral Commission

Property owners who live somewhere else

You’ll still get your enrolment pack for where you live — as a ‘resident’.

Where you pay rates but do not live, check if you can also vote in the local election — as a ‘non-resident’.

Council websites — Local Government New Zealand

Enrolment packs — letters to update your details

The Electoral Commission will send you a letter by post to check they have your correct details.

If you don't get this letter, check your details online.

Check or update your details online — Electoral Commission

Vote in an election

Now that you’re enrolled, see:

  • how to vote
  • the types of elections you can vote in.

Vote in an election

More information about voting

The Electoral Commission website has:

  • information about democracy in NZ
  • guidance for political parties and candidates
  • statistics and historical information.

Elections.nz — Electoral Commission

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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