380,000 people may miss chance to vote the easy way

Time is running out for people wanting to cast an easy vote at the September 20 general election.

There are still 380,000 eligible New Zealanders who haven’t enrolled to vote, and over half of them are under 30.

“Don’t miss out. Enrol by August 20 and you’ll be sent an EasyVote pack just ahead of election day,” says Murray Wicks, National Manager, Enrolment Services. “It includes your personalised EasyVote card, which makes voting easier and faster on the day.”

The Commission is particularly encouraging young and first-time voters to get enrolled by August 20.

“Your EasyVote pack is especially important if it’s your first time voting, because it tells you how, when, where and who you can vote for,” says Mr Wicks. “Enrol now, and make voting easy.”

The deadline to enrol and be included on the printed electoral roll, which is used in polling places and when sending out EasyVote cards, is Wednesday August 20.

Anyone enrolled after August 20 will have to cast a special declaration vote.

“You can still enrol to vote right up until the day before election day,” says Mr Wicks, “but it means you won’t get an EasyVote card and you’ll need to complete a special declaration vote.”

“A special declaration vote can take five times as long as an ordinary easy vote, and means filling in extra forms. You can also vote without your EasyVote card but it will take longer.”

“Enrolling is easy. Voters can freetext their name and address to 3676, get a form from a PostShop or call Freephone 0800 36 76 56. People can also enrol or update their details online at www.elections.org.nz.”

More information about enrolling and voting is available from www.elections.org.nz.

ENDS

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