In brief
New Zealand’s advance voting period has seen 913,762 ballots cast between October 26 and November 1, higher than the 712,192 counted in the same span in 2023 and representing about 24% of enrolled voters, up from 19% in the previous election. The busiest day of early voting was October 31, with over 190,000 votes. Despite the surge, the total still lags behind the 1.16 million votes recorded at the same stage in 2020.
More than 913,000 people have voted early in New Zealand’s 2026 general election, according to the Electoral Commission, a rise from the 712,000 ballots cast before the 2023 election’s closing day.
The commission said 913,762 votes were recorded from October 26 to November 1, amounting to about 24% of enrolled voters, up from 19% at the same point in the previous election.
The most active day to date was October 31, when over 190,000 votes were issued, and daily totals have repeatedly surpassed those of 2023.
Overall, the early‑voting total remains below the 1.16 million votes counted at this stage during the 2020 election.
The commission noted that roughly 600 voting places will be open each day during the final week of advance voting, while around 2,300 sites will operate nationwide on the election day itself.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s centre‑right National Party is seeking a second term and Labour, led by former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, is campaigning to return to power amid concerns over cost of living, economic growth, jobs and public services.
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older who have lived in the country continuously for at least 12 months at some point in their lives are eligible to vote, the commission added, with results expected on November 27.
The Electoral Commission also reported that just over 62% of voters aged 18‑24 have enrolled, as covered by Radio New Zealand.
