2026 General Election protocols
The 2026 General Election protocols have been published on the Electoral Commission website.
Electoral Commission launches new accessibility action plan
The Electoral Commission has launched its accessibility action plan for the 2026 General Election.
Candidate nominations open soon for the election
Candidate nominations for the 2026 General Election open on Monday 7 September and close at noon on Thursday 8 October.
Election reminders and enrolment hubs
Efforts to get people enrolled step up again this week, with enrolment reminders to be emailed to 2 million New Zealanders and enrolment hubs set to open next week.
31 Aug – 20 Sep emails and texts
Emails and text messages are being sent to voters from 31 August to 20 September reminding them to check their enrolment details are up to date for the 2026 General Election.
24 August notice of texts
The Electoral Commission is sending text messages to voters whose enrolment details are out of date on the electoral roll.
Radio ad referral to police
On 20 August 2026 the Electoral Commission referred MediaWorks and NZME to the Police over an advertisement broadcast outside the election period.
17,000 Māori voters change rolls
Thousands of Māori voters have taken the opportunity to change electoral rolls or update their details before this year’s general election.
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.