Kiwis reminded to re-enrol ahead of local elections

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders will miss out on the chance to vote in this year's local elections unless they re-enrol to vote by August 12.

The Electoral Commission mailed out enrolment update packs to make sure all those who are eligible are correctly enrolled to vote and that their details are correct.

As at the end of June, the electoral roll included 3.1 million people, yet around 20,000 packs were returned because people had moved house and not updated their enrolment details.

Chief electoral officer, Robert Peden said it was important for eligible voters to ensure they are enrolled at the correct address, so that they are ready to vote when the local elections kick off.

"If you are one of the 20,000 or so voters whose pack has come back to us because you've moved house and not updated your enrolment details, you have been removed from the electoral roll, and won't be able to vote unless you re-enrol."

Voting is held by postal vote, which means that if a voter's address is wrong they will not receive voting papers.

Those enrolling after August 12 will need to cast a special vote by contacting their local council for voting papers.

• To enrol, visit elections.org.nz for an enrolment form, freetext your name and address to 3676, call 0800 35 76 56 or go in to any PostShop.