# National leader laughs off voter suppression charge

> National leader Christopher Luxon dismisses opposition's voter suppression claims as enrollment deadlines shift.
- Title: National leader laughs off voter suppression charge · RNZ
- Summary: National leader Christopher Luxon dismisses opposition's voter suppression claims as enrollment deadlines shift. National leader Christopher Luxon says more…
- Keywords: christopher luxon, national, voter suppression, enrolment deadline, election 2026, electoral commission, chloe swarbrick, chris hipkins, politics, news, leader, laughs
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2014525/national-leader-christopher-luxon-laughs-off-opposition-s-charge-of-voter-suppression
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-18T20:44:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christopher luxon, national, voter suppression, enrolment deadline, election 2026, electoral commission, chloe swarbrick, chris hipkins, politics, news
## National leader laughs off voter suppression charge
National leader Christopher Luxon dismisses opposition's voter suppression claims as enrollment deadlines shift.
## Enrolment deadline change
The coalition scrapped advance voting and same-day enrolment, requiring voters to register by 25 October for the 7 November election.
## Labour leader concerns
Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed worry about youth enrolment and dormant rolls causing voter disenfranchisement.

> I'm worried that there are going to be a lot of people who feel quite disenfranchised by that.
## Green leader's response
Green leader Chlöe Swarbrick called government moves 'incredibly concerning' for voter suppression.

> We know full well it wouldn't reduce the time to count the votes.
## Electoral Commission action
Electoral Commission staff are visiting 80 locations to encourage young people to sign up for voting.

> We'll be putting all of our efforts into that.
## Enrolment statistics
65.5 percent of 18-24 year olds are enrolled versus 76.7 percent at the 2023 election.
## Key takeaway

National leader Christopher Luxon says more people are enrolled now than last election, dismissing opposition's voter suppression concerns.