Labour leader Jacinda Ardern casts her vote early

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford vote at a Mt Albert early voting station. Photo / Claire Trevett

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern has cast her vote early and encouraged others to do the same, especially if they were not sure if they were enrolled.

Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford voted at a Mt Albert early voting booth today.

Heavy media restrictions on election day mean politicians do not appear in the media other than when they go to vote - but Ardern said she wanted to vote early because in 2014 more than 27,000 votes were disallowed because the voter was not enrolled.

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford heading to vote early. Photo / Claire Trevett

Voters can only enrol up to the day before the election. This year the Electoral Commission is allowing voters to enrol and vote on the day if they vote early and are not already enrolled.

Asked what she would do on election day, Ardern said she would likely meet friends and volunteers for a cup of tea and maybe do chores.

Gayford chipped in that their fence was yet to be painted - and Ardern laughed and added it to the list.

In 2014 former Labour leader David Cunliffe became the first leader of a major party to cast his vote early in an attempt to send a similar message.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Helen Clark has cast her vote early - and urged others to make their voice heard this election.

Just cast my early vote for #NZ General Election: Check out this site 4 details of where you can do your early vote: https://t.co/W8bxCVlB8l

— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) September 12, 2017