Election social media rules + Facebook's new tool

Photo / Chris Skelton

Facebook users can use a new tool to tell friends they have voted tomorrow -- but the Electoral Commission is warning users about making online comments that could influence voters on election day.

Facebook's megaphone button has been used in elections around the world and acts as a virtual sticker to encourage other people to vote.

Electoral Commission guidelines state people can declare they have voted and encourage others to do so on social media.

However, any attempts to influence voters or discuss candidates and parties is in breach of the Electoral Act.

Mia Garlick, Facebook's head of policy in Australia and New Zealand, said she hoped the megaphone button reminded people to get out and vote.

"We're really excited about this tool for us to be able to promote civic participation."

"Facebook mobile is part of everyday life for 1.9 million Kiwis. On Saturday, share the megaphone button to encourage friends and family to vote."

She said users could delete any comments they might receive on the button that breached Electoral Commission guidelines.

An Electoral Commission spokesman said any complaints it received about social media comments would be investigated and referred to police if a breach of the Electoral Act was established.

The Electoral Commission and Facebook would be in touch if they believed the social media website had breached the Act. However, posts by users would be dealt with individually.

Megaphone has been used in other elections around the world and as polls closed in the Scottish independence referendum, 2.8 million people shared the button, Facebook said.