Enrol now to get your EasyVote card

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

More than 400,000 voters, including about 7000 in East Coast, have less than a week left to enrol in time to receive an EasyVote card for the General Election and referendums.

Having an EasyVote card is more convenient for voters because it allows staff to find their name on the electoral roll and issue their voting papers faster.

“It makes voting easier, as well as cutting queuing times – a crucial consideration in these COVID-19 times” says Electoral Commission national manager of enrolment and community engagement Mandy Bohté.

Eleven percent of eligible voters, or 428,000 people, have yet to enrol and these people need to act now, she says.

The change in election date to October 17 means writ day — when the electoral rolls close for printing — has moved to September 13, making this the new deadline for anyone wanting an EasyVote card.

People can still enrol after September, 13 including on election day, but they won't receive an EasyVote card.

Ms Bohte says enrolments have risen from 87 percent of eligible voters at the start of July to 89 percent, with the biggest increase among those aged 18 to 29 — up from 67 to 72 percent.

People can enrol or update their details online at vote.nz using their New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity.

They can also enrol or update their details by filling in an enrolment form available online at vote.nz, by calling 0800 36 76 56, texting their name and address to 3676, or at any voting place when these open from Saturday, October 3.