New Zealand is preparing for its upcoming election, and here’s a simple guide on how it works:
New Zealand is preparing for its upcoming election, and here’s a simple guide on how it works:
- Enrollment: To vote, you must be enrolled. If you enrolled before a specific date, you should receive an EasyVote card, making the voting process faster. If not, you can still enroll when you vote.
- Voting Methods: Voters with physical disabilities can vote by telephone dictation. Officials mark the roll to prevent multiple voting.
- Voting Time: If you’re overseas, you can download and complete your voting papers until 7 pm on election day. In New Zealand, advance voting has started, and on election day, polls are open from 9 am to 7 pm.
- Vote Counting: All votes are counted by hand in New Zealand, avoiding issues with voting machines. Advance votes are counted from 9 am on election day, while ordinary votes are counted after 7 pm. Special votes, like those from people not on the electoral roll or unable to reach a voting booth, are counted later.
- Result Timing: Preliminary election results are released progressively from 7 pm on election night. The Electoral Commission aims to have 95% of results available by 11.30 pm. Official results are declared 20 days after the election, allowing time to count special votes.
- New Government Formation: There’s no set date for forming a new government after an election. The Electoral Commissioner delivers the writ to the Clerk of the House, certifying the election, usually by November 9. The Governor-General summons Parliament to meet within six weeks. Parties typically negotiate coalition deals to form a new government.
