Enrol to vote by 25 October
3.6 million enrolment packs will be posted out to enrolled voters from the start of next week so they can check their details are up to date for the 2026 General Election on 7 November.
“When you get your pack, open it, and check your details are correct. The boundaries of many electorates have changed, so check your electorate too,” says Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer.
“The packs are being delivered from 17 to 22 August. If you don’t get one in the mail, it means your address is out of date, or you’re not enrolled.
“Right now, more than 3.6 million people are enrolled. There are an estimated 440,000 people who are not enrolled, including approximately 200,000 18- to 24-year-olds. Talk to your whānau and friends and make sure everyone is enrolled by 25 October so they can vote,” says Karl Le Quesne.
You can enrol or update your address online at vote.nz using your New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity.
You can also enrol or update your address using a paper enrolment form. Call 0800 36 76 56 or text your name and address to 3676 to have a form sent to you. Calls and texts are free.
Orange Guy and Pup are back
Orange Guy and Pup are back to guide New Zealanders through the 2026 General Election with a new look to signal that things are different this year.
The Electoral Commission’s mascots are leaving behind their orange and purple animated world and venturing into real world scenes.
“When people see Orange Guy and Pup, they know an election is coming and that it’s time to enrol and vote,” says Karl Le Quesne.
“This year, there is another important message, which is that you need to be enrolled before voting starts. You won’t be able to enrol or update your details when you vote.
“We need people to know they must be enrolled by 25 October. A change to the advertising reinforces that.
“We’re calling on everyone to enrol or update their details by 4 October so you receive an EasyVote card. The absolute last day to enrol to vote in this election is 25 October, and voting starts on 26 October,” says Karl Le Quesne.