The Electoral Commission must, as an independent Crown entity, maintain political neutrality. Our statutory functions in the Electoral Act require us to be impartial. The Electoral Commission must be politically neutral to ensure our reputation is maintained, and we are building the public’s knowledge, trust, and confidence in the electoral system.
Political neutrality is essential to the Electoral Commission, and anyone delivering services and engaging with electors on our behalf must also do that in a politically neutral way.
To put it simply: ‘Keep your politics out of your job, and your job out of your politics’
What does this mean for organisations that apply to the Community Education Fund?
If your application to the Community Education Fund is successful, you are required to deliver the Electoral Commission’s messages only, unaffected by your own personal beliefs.
Additionally, we require the following when engaging with the community as part of your Community Education Fund project:
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Do not publicly express a political opinion or comment on parties or candidates
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Do not communicate privately with Ministers or members of Parliament about matters concerning your project or the Electoral Commission
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Do not advise anyone on who to vote for, or which roll to enrol on (general roll or Māori roll)
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Do not be involved in a public way in furthering the interests of a political party or candidate or referendum issue
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Do not lobby or attempt to influence a minister or members of Parliament about decisions that fall within the Commission’s remit
Please contact us at cef@elections.govt.nz with any questions about political neutrality.