Time running out to vote
With only three full days left of voting, time is running out to have your say in the 2026 General Election.
“Voting places are open around the country on Thursday, Friday and election day, Saturday 7 November, so there’s opportunity for everyone to vote,” says Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer.
“It’s important that you have your say on who represents you in Parliament for the next three years. Saturday is your final chance to vote and be heard.”
By Tuesday, 1,250,057 votes had been issued compared with 1,007,928 in 2023.
“Voting places will be busy over the next few days and it’s normal for queues to form at peak times, especially in the middle of the day.
“We plan for busier periods and make sure there are more than enough voting papers at voting places. We have mobile teams who drop off more papers if a voting place runs low due to demand.”
About 600 advance voting places will be open on Thursday and Friday in places where people live and work. The days and times voting places are open vary, so check before you go on vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.
On election day Saturday 7 November, more than 2,300 voting places will be open from 9am until the close of voting at 7pm.
“If you bring your EasyVote card, it will make voting faster, but don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can still vote. We’ll just ask for your name and address so we can find you on the electoral roll,” says Karl Le Quesne.
If your name is not on the printed roll at a voting place, you'll need to fill out a special declaration vote form before you vote. This is known as a special vote.
Your name may not be on the printed roll if you enrolled after 4 October when the rolls were printed, if you’re voting outside your home electorate, or if you’re on the unpublished roll.
Election rules
“As we head towards election day, it’s good to remember there are rules around voting and campaigning,” says Karl Le Quesne.
Campaigning and advertising about parties and candidates is allowed during advance voting.
However, campaigning, or doing anything which obstructs or influences voters, and any election advertising is prohibited inside advance voting places or within 10 metres of the entrance to the voting place, known as the buffer zone.
On election day, Saturday 7 November, no campaigning or advertising is allowed anywhere until voting closes at 7pm. Election signs need to be taken down before election day. Take care with social media posts and sharing content – you can’t post who you voted for or post or share anything else that could influence voters.