Voting begins today

From today, people can now vote in this year's general election.

Advance voting begins ahead of election day on Saturday, September 20.

Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden said: "Almost 300 advance voting places will be available around the country for people to cast early votes."

Times and opening hours will vary around the country to suit local needs.

"Many advance voting places will have late nights or extended hours in the lead-up to election day," Mr Peden said.

"If you're unable to get to a voting place on election day, because you're on holiday, working, in hospital or for reason whatsoever, voting in advance is the easiest way to have your say."

Most advance voting places are fully accessible or accessible with assistance for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

There will also be special arrangements for some voters including:

· Electoral Commission teams visiting hospitals, rest homes and remand centres to collect votes
· Special voting services for New Zealanders in Antarctica and Raoul Island
· Dictation voting service for blind and low-vision voters

Voting from overseas also begins today.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for all eligible New Zealanders to vote in this year's election," says Mr Peden. "This includes Kiwis around the world, so if you have friends or family overseas, let them know they can vote from now."

Full information about when, where and how to vote in advance is available at www.elections.org.nz, by calling 0800 36 76 56, or by contacting your local Returning Officer.