From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 20s
How Your Votes Are Counted in New Zealand Elections
New Zealand's election vote counting process: hand-counted, special votes take weeks, and results take until Friday.
In brief
New Zealand's election vote counting process: hand-counted, special votes take weeks, and results take until Friday. New Zealand counts votes by hand with special votes taking up to 20 days to confirm results after election day. Originally reported by RNZ.
Election Day Counting Process
All votes are counted by hand, with preliminary results released by 7pm on election day.
Preliminary Results Timeline
50 percent of results available by 10pm and 95 percent by 11:30pm on election day.
Special Votes Process
Special votes require extra checks and take up to 20 days to confirm results after election day.
Voting Paper Storage
Voting papers are stored securely for six months after election, then shredded and destroyed.
Scrutineer Rules
Candidates can appoint scrutineers to observe vote counting but not themselves or MPs.
Recount Process
Recounts require a $1022.22 deposit and must be applied for within three working days of results.
Election Errors in 2023
Over 20 voting places made errors in final results, but no major changes occurred.
Double-Voting Checks
The commission checks for double-voting by comparing every electorate roll.
Election Management System
New Zealand's Election Management System undergoes independent security testing.
Final Results Declaration
The Chief Electoral Officer declares the official election results after counting.
Here's the gist
New Zealand counts votes by hand with special votes taking up to 20 days to confirm results after election day.
