Thousands voted already in general election

Tens of thousands of people have already voted in the general election.

In the first seven days after facilities for advance voting opened on August 31, 46,569 cast their ballots.

And the number voting in advance is now averaging more than 7500 a day, Chief Electoral Officer David Henry says.

He does not have comparable statistics from 2002, but "it's looking heavier".

"In talking to people around the country who are doing the advance voting, it seems it's been quite busy."

As at last Thursday, the Wellington Central electorate had the highest number of advance votes (1701), just ahead of Tauranga (1649) and Christchurch Central (1639).

Mr Henry is urging people who will be away from their registered electorate on Saturday to vote in advance.

Advance voting closes at 4pm on Friday.

In 2002, more than 130,000 people voted in advance. Such votes accounted for 6 per cent of ballots cast in that election.

Details of your closest advance voting facilities are contained in your EasyVote pack, online at www.elections.org.nz or by phoning 0800 36-76-56.