How to enrol and vote in the 2026 New Zealand election
Election day is Saturday 7 November 2026, but the deadline that matters most is earlier. Here's the practical bit, and what to do if you've left it late.
Not sure who to vote for? Take the five-minute quiz and see which party matches you.
Take the quizCheck 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Most people are, and many don't realise their details are out of date after moving.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.
Enrol by midnight, Sunday 25 October
This election you cannot enrol at a voting place. You need to be enrolled before voting starts, and the last day to do it is Sunday 25 October, up to midnight.
The quickest way is online at vote.nz with a New Zealand driver licence, passport or RealMe verified identity. If you use a paper form, scan or photograph it and email it back, or post it by Tuesday 20 October so it arrives in time.
Our key dates guide has every date between now and election day.
The deadline to enrol for the 2026 election is midnight, Sunday 25 October. Advance voting starts on Monday 26 October.
Electoral Commission: last chance to enrol (18 Oct 2026)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.
See which party matches your views
37 questions on the issues in this election. Five minutes, free, no sign-up, and every party position links to its source.
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