Get ready for the local elections
It’s time to check you’re enrolled to vote in this year’s local elections.
Over the next two weeks, the 3.6 million people on the electoral roll will be sent an enrolment pack in the mail to check their details are up to date.
“The local elections are held by a postal vote. Make sure you’re listed at the address where you live so you get your voting papers in the mail this October,” says Anusha Guler, Deputy Chief Executive Operations.
“Māori voters can choose to be on the Māori roll or the general roll for the local elections. You can’t change rolls in the three months before the elections, so if you would like to switch rolls, you need to do it by midnight 10 July.”
“Councils make decisions that affect our daily lives and communities on things like rates, rubbish collection, libraries, parks and public transport. It’s important that you’re enrolled and ready to have your say,” says Anusha Guler.
“Check your details when you get your pack. If they’re correct you’re all set to vote for the people who will represent you on city, district and regional councils.
“If your details need to be updated, you can change them on the form in the pack and send it back. People can also enrol or update their details online at vote.nz.
“If you don’t get a pack by 14 April, it means you’re not enrolled, or you need to update your address on the electoral roll.
“This year, we’re also asking people to update their details with an email address and phone number to make it easier to move to digital communications in the future,” says Anusha Guler.
Local elections timeline
1 April Electoral Commission starts enrolment drive
10 July Deadline for Māori to change rolls before the local elections
1 August People need to be enrolled by 1 August to receive voting papers in the mail
September Councils send out voting papers
11 October Voting closes at midday Saturday 11 October
More information for journalists
The Electoral Commission supports enrolment for the local elections. A media kit with more information on enrolling for the local elections is available in the media resources section of this website.
The local elections are run by local councils. Go to the LGNZ and Taituarā vote local website for more information on the local elections including a list of council electoral officers.