Time running out for schools to get kids voting in 2026
Schools across Aotearoa New Zealand are being reminded to get involved in Kids Voting – Te Pōti a Ngā Tamariki before time runs out.
So far, over 600 schools have registered to take part in Kids Voting 2026, giving over 114,000 students the opportunity to experience what it is like to vote in a general election.
Registrations close on the last day of term 3, Friday 25 September. The mock elections will take place early in Term 4.
Kids Voting is a free civics education programme available for all schools and kura to participate in. It gives students of any age the opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s democracy and get an authentic voting experience through a mock election when they can vote for the real parties and candidates standing in the 2026 General Election.
"Kids Voting is a great way for students to experience democracy first-hand and understand how voting works at the same time as the real general election," says Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer.
"With hundreds of schools already set to get involved, we want to make sure schools that are still considering taking part don't miss their opportunity."
The Electoral Commission is also encouraging parents, whānau, teachers and youth organisations to talk with young people about voting and ensure they're ready to have their say.
Young people who are 18 or older can enrol and vote. 17 year olds can also fill in an enrolment form and they’ll automatically be enrolled when they turn 18.
You can enrol, check or update your details online at vote.nz or call freephone 0800 36 76 56 and ask for an enrolment form to be sent to you.
Schools and kura can register for Kids Voting online by 5pm, Friday 25 September at KidsVoting.nz