Voters urged to enrol early as same-day enrolment scrapped

New Zealanders are being urged to enrol for the 2026 general election as a new law ends same-day enrolment and voting.

Karl Le Quesne, the Chief Electoral Officer, told Pacific Mornings the change has a clear consequence.

He said people who are not enrolled before advance voting begins on 26 October will not be able to vote.

He said voters should act early to get an EasyVote card, “which will make voting faster. The last day to enrol, at all, is 25 October, which is one day before advance voting starts on 26 October”.

Under the Electoral Amendment Act 2025, enrolment now closes 13 days before election day. Voters can no longer enrol while voting, including on election day.

The change aims to make counting votes quicker and reduce the pressure of large numbers of late enrolments, which in 2023 led to more than 600,000 special votes.

In 2023, 110,000 people enrolled or updated their details on election day. The Commission says late enrolments have slowed down results, putting extra pressure on the system. Photo/Electoral Commission

But the shift could affect Pacific voters, who have relied on same-day enrolment in previous elections.

Te’o Harry Fatu Toleafoa, legal expert and community advocate, warned: “Removing those provisions just has disproportionate impacts on our Pasifika population and participation.”

He said Pacific communities already face barriers, including cost-of-living pressures, limited transport, and confusion about enrolment. Earlier cut-off dates make these challenges more significant.

New Zealanders are being urged to enrol for the 2026 general election as a new law ends same-day enrolment and voting. Photo/National Sciences Challenge

Le Quesne said wide barriers can affect families, young people, and shift workers.

“When we look at it at that level, we can see, among others, that communities with more Pacific people can have lower enrolment and turnout,” Le Quesne said.

He said people face a range of barriers to voting, including being unsure who to vote for, working multiple jobs, and difficulty getting to polling places.

At the last election, more than 600,000 people enrolled or updated their details after writ day, including 110,000 on election day. Late enrolments have slowed results in previous elections, putting extra pressure on the system.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the changes aim to make the process more efficient.

Watch Karl Le Quesne's interview below.

To support voters, the Electoral Commission is running targeted outreach programmes, including school visits, community events, pop-up enrolment centres, and support from local groups.

Election day is set for 7 November. Overseas voting opens on 21 October and advance voting runs from 26 October to 6 November.

Le Quesne urged everyone to check they are enrolled on time: “Get involved. Have your say. Be enrolled by 4 October.”