# How Much Does It Cost to Run an Election?

> New Zealand's 2026 election costs $180m to run, with key challenges in voter outreach.
- Title: How Much Does It Cost to Run an Election? · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: New Zealand's 2026 election costs $180m to run, with key challenges in voter outreach. New Zealand's 2026 election will cost $180 million to run, with…
- Keywords: new zealand, election, electoral commission, voting, enrolment, postal service, it investment, politics, news, Much, Does, Cost
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1940993/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-an-election
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-15T16:22:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, election, electoral commission, voting, enrolment, postal service, it investment, politics, news
## Election Cost Estimate
This year's election will cost about $180 million to run.
## Key Cost Breakdown
The Electoral Commission budgeted $94.7m for staff, $17.9m for communications, $11.6m for IT, $3.1m for travel, $23.1m for property, and $25.5m for printing and post.
## Temporary Staff and Locations
The election requires 22,000 temporary staff and 2,321 voting places.
## Andrew Geddis on Funding
University of Otago professor Andrew Geddis said the Electoral Commission must request funding from the Minister of Justice to run the election.
## Postal Service Challenges
The Electoral Commission faces issues with the postal service falling apart and outdated voter addresses.
## Lara Greaves on Demographics
Victoria University professor Lara Greaves said the system needs more investment for diverse populations and updated voter data.
## Future Funding Concerns
The Electoral Commission must increase funding with inflation and address digital roll updates to prevent democracy erosion.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand's 2026 election will cost $180 million to run, with challenges in modernizing voter outreach.