From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 40s
Special votes could shift 2026 election results
Special votes may change 2026 election outcomes as counting delays and disqualifications loom.
In brief
Special votes may change 2026 election outcomes as counting delays and disqualifications loom. Special votes could alter 2026 election results due to delayed counting and potential disqualifications. Originally reported by RNZ.
Quick answers
- What are special votes?
- Special votes are cast by people not on their electoral roll, living overseas, or voting away from their polling place.
- Why are votes disqualified?
- Most disqualifications occur because voters were not enrolled, with 10,566 rejected for this reason.
- What is the key takeaway from Special votes could shift 2026 election results?
- Special votes could alter 2026 election results due to delayed counting and potential disqualifications.
What are special votes?
Special votes are cast by people not on their electoral roll, living overseas, or voting away from their polling place.
Special votes require witness
Voters must sign a declaration form witnessed by another person to cast a special vote.
Enrolment deadline changed
The absolute latest enrolment deadline is midnight on Sunday, 25 October, 2026.
Special votes increased
Over 600,000 special votes were issued in 2023, representing 21 percent of voters.
Special votes affect results
In the last three general elections, special votes shifted National's seats and changed electorate outcomes.
Special votes take longer
Special votes take up to 20 days to count due to strict checks and verification procedures.
Special votes may be disqualified
In 2023, 15,555 special votes were disqualified for various reasons including incorrect enrolment.
Why are votes disqualified?
Most disqualifications occur because voters were not enrolled, with 10,566 rejected for this reason.
Overseas votes affect results
Overseas votes could influence election outcomes as more people vote from abroad this year.
Enrolment changes impact special votes
New enrolment rules may lead to more special votes being rejected this election.
Special votes could change results
Special votes may shift election results as counting delays and disqualifications occur.
Why special votes matter
Special votes could be less important or more consequential depending on disqualification rates.
At a glance
Special votes could alter 2026 election results due to delayed counting and potential disqualifications.
