Maori Electoral Option packs in the mail

Information packs will be sent to 477,000 Maori voters this week as the 2018 Maori Electoral Option gets under way.

The Option runs from todayto August 2 and is when Maori voters can choose to be on the Maori roll or the general roll for the next two general elections.

Voters on the Maori roll will vote for a candidate in a Maori electorate and voters on the general roll will vote for a candidate in a general electorate.

"Look out for the Maori Electoral Option pack addressed to you in your mail box this week," Electoral Commission national manager of enrolment and community engagement Mandy Bohte said.

"It will tell you which roll you're on and give you the option of changing roll types.

"If you're happy with the roll you're on, you don't need to do anything. If you do want to change rolls, then sign the letter and return it to us."

The letter can be returned by post or uploaded to www.maorioption.org.nz.

Packs are being sent to people who identified themselves as being of Maori descent when they enrolled to vote.

Voters won't receive a pack if they have changed address, didn't identify themselves as being of Maori descent when they enrolled, or are not enrolled.

"If you're a Maori voter and don't receive a pack in the post, go to our website to download an enrolment form," Bohte said.

"You'll be able to update your enrolment details, and choose which roll you want to be on, at the same time."

For more information go to www.maorioption.org.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.