[1] General elections are usually held every three years; they may be held at an earlier date (a "snap" election) at the discretion of the prime minister (advising the governor-general), but that usually only happens in the event of a vote of no confidence or other exceptional circumstances.
A by-election is held to fill an electorate vacancy arising during a parliamentary term.
The first election under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system was held in 1996 following the 1993 electoral referendum.
The roll is "public information" meaning it can be used for legitimate purposes such as selecting people for jury service but it can be abused especially by marketing companies who use the electoral roll to send registered voters unsolicited advertising mail.
Hence, the ideal number of people per electorate equals the population of the South Island divided by sixteen.
From this, the Commission determines the number of North Island, Māori and list seats, which may fluctuate accordingly.
Also, governments have occasionally called early, or "snap" elections (for example, in 1951 in the midst of an industrial dispute involving striking waterfront workers).
[25] Section 125 of the Electoral Act requires that whenever Parliament expires or is dissolved, the governor-general must issue a writ of election within seven days.
Early elections often provoke controversy, as they potentially give governing parties an advantage over opposition candidates.
The 1984 snap election backfired on the governing party: many believe that Prime Minister Robert Muldoon called it while drunk.
[26][27] The 1996 election took place slightly early (on 12 October) to avoid holding a by-election after the resignation of Michael Laws.
As in other Westminster-style democracies, the prime minister's power to determine the election date can give the government some subtle advantages.
For example, if the prime minister determines a section of the population will either vote against their government or not at all, they might hold the election at the most advantageous time[28] – as long as it is within three years.
Party strategists take the timing of important rugby union matches into account, partly because a major match in the same weekend of the election will likely lower voting-levels, and partly because of a widespread belief that incumbent governments benefit from a surge of national pride when the All Blacks (the New Zealand national rugby team) win, and suffer when they lose.
After disruptions to the 36-month cycle, prime ministers moved to restore it to a November base.
[37] Election day for both Māori and general seats has been held on a Saturday since 1951,[38] so as to minimise the effect of work or religious commitments that could inhibit people from voting.
Overseas voters may vote by post, fax, internet, or in person at New Zealand embassies or high commissions.
The EasyVote Card is optional, and voters can simply state their name and address to the issuing officer.
The voter then goes behind a cardboard screen, where they mark their paper using a supplied orange ink pen.
Election results are published on ElectionResults.govt.nz as they arrive, and simultaneously shared with the media, with the goal of having 50% of results available by 10 p.m. and 95% by 11:30 p.m.[55] All voting papers, counterfoils and electoral rolls are returned to the respective electorate's returning officer for a mandatory recount.
[56][57] The final count, including special votes, can take up to three weeks to be completed and announced.
A judicial recount takes place under the auspices of a District Court judge; a nationwide recount must take place under the auspices of the Chief District Court Judge.
[60] At the 2023 election, recounts were requested in the Mount Albert and Tāmaki Makaurau electorates, after the top two candidates in each were separated by fewer than 50 votes.
Concerns about declining democratic engagement and participation have been raised by the Electoral Commission, and by commentators such as Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Andrew Butler, leading some to support the introduction of compulsory voting, as exists in Australia.
A system of compulsory voting looks unlikely to manifest in the near future, with former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arguing that it is an ineffective way to foster citizen engagement.
A graph published on the Electoral Commission's website demonstrates the lower turnout in younger age groups.
[63] Those from poorer and less educated demographics also fail to vote at disproportionately high rates.
[65][66] He is an amorphous orange blob who usually takes on a human form, but can transform into any object as the situation warrants.
[67] In the 2020 general election campaign, he was joined by a dog, Pup, who is also orange and resembles a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Dachshund.