When you’re enrolled, you can vote in general elections, by-elections, referendums and local elections. Check you’re enrolled to vote Make sure you’re enrolled to vote and your contact details are up to date. How to cast your vote To have free and fair general elections, the Electoral Commission provides: in-person voting at voting places around the country alternative voting options for people who cannot get to a voting place, for example, because of poor health or mobility. Can’t get to a voting place? — Electoral Commission Voting from overseas General election Voting papers are not automatically sent to you if you’re overseas. The quickest way to vote from overseas is to download, complete and submit your voting papers online. You may also be able to vote at an overseas voting place. Voting papers for local elections are not available to download online. If you’re enrolled and your details are up to date, your council will send you voting papers by post for local elections every 3 years. How to vote from overseas — Electoral Commission Types of elections you can vote in General election NZ general elections happen every 3 years. In a general election you have 2 votes: 1 vote for a political party 1 vote for a candidate you want to represent the area you live in — called your electorate. What happens in a general election? — Electoral Commission This is where there is a vacancy in Parliament and voters need to choose a new local member of Parliament ( MP ) to represent their electorate. These are held as they’re needed. What is a by-election? — Electoral Commission A referendum is where you vote on a question that can be started by a citizen or by the government. These can be held at the same time as the general election or held separately. What is a referendum? — Electoral Commission Local elections You vote for the people to represent you in your local authority, such as voting for councillors for your local city or district council. Local elections are held every 3 years and are run by local councils.

What are local elections? — Electoral Commission More information about voting The Electoral Commission’s websites have: information about enrolling and voting a description of New Zealand’s system of government guidance for political parties and candidates statistics and historical information. Elections.nz — Electoral Commission Vote.nz — Electoral Commission Who to contact for more help If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency. Electoral Commission Contact and agency details Electoral Commission Utility links and page information Last updated 17 April 2026 The Govt.nz app The Govt.nz website Contact NZ government A-Z of government agencies Contact details by topic Using this website The Govt.nz app — Download the app today to access key government services securely, quickly, and all in one place. Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store