Overseas voters able to download voting papers online

New Zealand voters overseas during the general election will be able to get their voting papers on the internet.

Chief electoral officer David Henry said the new service would be "easier and quicker" for those wishing to cast a vote from far flung corners of the world.

However, voters would need access to a fax machine to officially register their votes.

"We are sure a lot of New Zealanders will take advantage of this new service," he said.

"For legal reasons voters will not be able to electronically (via e-mail) return their completed voting papers, but this is something we are looking at beyond 2002."

Although new online services have attempted to make election details more widely available, the Enrolment Electoral Centre announced earlier this week that almost 100,000 people had been taken off the electoral roll.

The centre could not verify the details of 92,042 previously enrolled voters.

It encouraged all potential voters to check their details or register on the roll again online. Alternatively they can phone the centre on 0800 367656 or pick up an enrolment form at a PostShop.

Elections New Zealand

Email overseas@election.govt.nz

- NZPA