# Special votes could shift 2026 election results

> Special votes may change 2026 election outcomes as counting delays and disqualifications loom.
- Title: Special votes could shift 2026 election results · RNZ
- Summary: Special votes may change 2026 election outcomes as counting delays and disqualifications loom.
- Keywords: special votes, 2026 election, electoral commission, new zealand, national party, labour party, te pāti māori, greens party, voting, enrolment deadline, overseas votes, disqualified votes
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1918372/explainer-what-are-special-votes-and-why-they-could-change-the-election-results
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-14T20:12:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: special votes, 2026 election, electoral commission, new zealand, national party, labour party, te pāti māori, greens party, voting, enrolment deadline, overseas votes, disqualified votes
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Special votes could alter 2026 election results due to delayed counting and potential disqualifications.