Q&A: Enrolling to vote

How do I know if I am eligible to enrol?

A: You are qualified to enrol if you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older, and have lived in New Zealand for one year or more without leaving the country. Restrictions are listed on the enrolment form.

I am not yet enrolled. What do I do?

A: You need to fill in an enrolment form. The forms are available at your nearest Post Shop, by calling 0800 36 76 56, freetexting your name and address to 3676, or visiting www.elections.org.nz

What do I do with my completed enrolment form?

A: You can either drop it into any Post Shop, post it (no stamp required) to FreePost 2 Enrol, Electoral Enrolment Centre, PO Box 190, Wellington 6015 or fax it to (04) 801-0709.

How can I check if am already enrolled?

A: You can check online at www.elections.org.nz or visit a Post Shop to check your details on the preliminary electoral rolls if you registered before June 17.

I am 17, can I enrol?

A: You can provisionally enrol at 17 years of age. This means that when you turn 18 your name will automatically go onto the electoral roll.

I am Maori. Do I have to go on the Maori roll?

A: No. If you are enrolling as an elector for the first time you can decide whether you want to go on the general or Maori roll.

I'm registered on the Maori roll but want to be on the general roll. Can I switch rolls now?

A: No. Roll changes can only be made during the Maori Electoral Option, next scheduled to take place in 2006.

Which electorate do I enrol for?

A: Generally, the electorate where you last lived for a month or more. If you are a student or someone who has moved away from home for work or study, you may still enrol at the address you call home.

Do I have to tell the registrar of electors when I move to a new address?

A: Yes. Let your registrar of electors know every time you move so that they can update your enrolment details.

When must I be enrolled by?

A: The last possible date you can enrol is the day before election day. If you enrol a month before the election you will receive an EasyVote information pack, which includes an EasyVote card. You can vote without the EasyVote card but it will take longer.

How long can I be out of New Zealand before my enrolment lapses?

A: If you are a New Zealand citizen, you can be out of the country for three years continuously before you are no longer eligible to vote.

If you are a permanent resident, the period is only one year.

I have been out of the country for over three years and this is the first time I have been back. Am I eligible to enrol and if so, which electorate do I enrol for?

A: Yes, you are eligible to enrol. You must enrol for the address at which you last lived in New Zealand for a month or more.

My son/daughter is overseas travelling. Do they have to be enrolled?

A: The Electoral Act states that New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are overseas may enrol if they choose. They can get an enrolment form at www.elections.org.nz or from the nearest New Zealand embassy or high commission.

Voter turnout

* 1999 - 84.77 per cent
* 2002 - 76.98 per cent