How to enrol and vote in the 2026 New Zealand election
Election day is Saturday 7 November 2026. Here's the practical bit, what you need, and what happens if you've left it late.
Check whether you're already enrolled
Most people are, and many don't realise their details are out of date after moving. You can check and update your enrolment at vote.nz in about two minutes.
You can enrol if you're 18 or over, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some point.
You can enrol and vote on the same day
If you miss the enrolment deadline you are not shut out. New Zealand allows enrolment during the voting period, including on election day itself, you enrol at the voting place and cast a special vote.
It takes longer to process, but it counts. There is no good reason to stay home because you think you've missed a deadline.
The Māori roll or the general roll
If you're of Māori descent you choose which roll to be on, and you can switch at any time. The roll you're on decides whether you vote in a Māori electorate or a general electorate, it does not affect your party vote.
There are seven Māori electorates and 64 general electorates for the 2026 election.
Voting from overseas
New Zealanders overseas can usually vote by downloading papers online, or in person at some overseas posts. Eligibility depends on when you were last in New Zealand, citizens generally need to have visited within the last three years, permanent residents within the last year.