Key facts
- Voting is open for nearly two weeks ahead of the November 7 election.
- 207 voting places were open on Monday, rising to over 2,300 on election day.
- Critics argue the earlier enrolment cutoff could deter participation, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Voting opened in New Zealand on Monday for the November 7 general election, with ballot boxes available for nearly two weeks. The race is expected to be closely contested, with public polling showing no clear frontrunner. Overseas voting began on October 21. The Electoral Commission said 207 voting places were open on Monday, with that number rising to more than 2,300 on election day. Critics argue that the earlier enrolment cutoff, which means people not enrolled by Sunday cannot vote, could deter participation, particularly among groups that are harder to reach.