On a recent visit to the University of Otago, our Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Jordan Phillips, got talking with a lecturer whose students had questions about enroling and voting.

They weren’t sure which address to enrol at, or what would happen if they headed home after exams. With the enrollment deadline and voting period falling around exam time, it was another thing to navigate.

We want whānau to feel confident in having their say, and that starts with making the process easier to understand. So, we looked into those questions, checked the address advice with the Electoral Commission, and put together this guide to break it down.

The dates you need to know

This year, a new rule for the general election makes being organised more important than ever: you must be enroled before voting starts. You can’t enrol during the voting period or on Election Day.

Some key dates to be aware of are:

  • Writ Day: 4th October 2026
  • Enrolment closes: midnight, Sunday 25 October 2026
  • Advance voting opens: Monday 26 October 2026
  • Election Day: Saturday 7 November 2026

On Writ Day, the Governor-General instructs the Electoral Commission to conduct a general election. If you’re enrolled with your details up to date by midnight Sunday 4 October, you’ll receive an EasyVote card.

An EasyVote card helps find you on the electoral roll faster. You don’t need one to vote, though.

If you miss that date, you still have until midnight 25 October to enrol or update your details. You won’t appear on the printed roll used at voting places, so you’ll need to cast a special vote.

If you want to get organised early, aim for 4 October. The final enrolment deadline is midnight Sunday 25 October.

End-of-semester dates

The enrolment deadline and advance voting period fall around exams and end-of-semester travel for a lot of students. That’s why it’s worth sorting out now, rather than leaving it until you’re packing up.

Here are the exam and assessment periods to keep in mind:

  • University of Auckland: Exams 29 Oct to 16 Nov
  • AUT: Study and assessment period 19 Oct to 6 Nov
  • University of Waikato (B Trimester): Exams 27 Oct to 6 Nov
  • Massey University: Exams 27 Oct to 9 Nov
  • Victoria University of Wellington (Trimester 2): Exams 16 Oct to 7 Nov
  • University of Canterbury: Exams 27 Oct to 7 Nov
  • Lincoln University: Exams likely finish around 6 to 7 Nov (not confirmed on Lincoln’s site, so check with them)
  • University of Otago: Exams 19 Oct to 7 Nov

Which address should you use?

Enrol at the address you consider home.

That can be your whānau home or your current study address. Being temporarily away for study doesn’t automatically change your home address.

Your enrolled address determines which electorate you’re part of. It does not limit where you can vote.

You can vote at any voting place in Aotearoa.

What if I vote in a different electorate from the one I’m enrolled in?

You can still vote. There’s just an extra step.

Let’s say your whānau home is up north, but you study at the University of Otago. You’re enrolled at your home address, but you’re still in Dunedin when you want to vote.

You can vote in Dunedin by casting a special vote for your enrolled electorate.

What is a special vote?

Special votes count exactly the same as ordinary votes. It involves an extra declaration form so your enrolment and eligibility can be checked before it’s counted.

You may need to cast a special vote if you:

  • Vote from an electorate they aren’t enrolled in
  • Vote from overseas
  • Enrolled to vote or updated their details after 4 October
  • Are unable to get to a voting booth due to their circumstances and need another voting option

Allow a little extra time to fill out the declaration form. Staff can help if you’re unsure what to do.

*Remember, special votes carry the same weight as ordinary votes.

Step by Step Voting Guide

  1. Enrol or update your details by midnight Sunday 25 October. You can do this online at vote.nz.
  2. Go to any voting place during advance voting or on Election Day.
  3. Staff will help you get your voting paper and a special vote form if you need one.
  4. Fill in your voting paper in private. You have a party vote and an electorate vote.
  5. Return your completed voting papers as staff direct.

Important Reminders

Special votes count. Needing an extra form doesn’t make your vote worth less.

You can vote when you head home for the holidays. If you’re permanently moving rather than visiting, check your enrolment before the deadline. An outdated address involving a move to another electorate can mean only your party vote counts.

You don’t need ID to vote. Bring your EasyVote card if you have it, but you can still vote without one.

Are you enrolled?

If you haven’t enrolled, get it sorted now. If you’re already enrolled, check your details are up to date.

Voting in elections is an essential part of democratic participation and ensures we have decision makers in places of power and influence who can lead changes that improve the hauora of you, your whānau and hapori.

Enrol or update your details at vote.nz 

Still have questions?

Call the Electoral Commission on 0800 36 76 56, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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