Advance voting starts tomorrow

File photo / NZ Herald

New Zealanders in Antarctica and in the Kermadec Islands are among those who will make early calls about who they want in Government in advance election votes from tomorrow.

More than 250 advance voting places will be set up around the country from tomorrow until November 25 for those unable to get to polling stations on November 26.

Special arrangements have also been made for voting at Scott Base in Antarctica, and voting papers will also be delivered to Department of Conservation workers on volcanic Raoul Island, in the Kermadec Islands.

Mobile facilities will be available in Christchurch, and people in hospitals and rest homes will be visited.

Among those preparing to cast votes tomorrow is a Wellington group, which includes New Zealand's youngest councillor, 20-year-old Bronwyn Kropp, New Zealand Union of Students' Associations co-president David Do, Victoria University Law Society president David Smith.

The group's intention to be the first voters of the election is part of a bid to increase youth voting.

More than 100,000 people aged between 18 and 24 are still not enrolled to vote, and Mr Do said students needed to get involved.

"This year's election coincides with the beginning of summer break. After their exams, many students move away from where they are registered to vote to travel and work in other parts of the country,'' he said.

"Advanced voting gives students the opportunity to vote when they are still settled and concentrated on campuses.''