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New Zealanders continue to flock to the polls early to cast their ballot before the general election.
Already, more than 585,000 people have cast their early votes with just seven days to go.
As of Thursday, October 8, 585, 883 people have cast an early vote. On Thursday alone, 113,377 Kiwis voted on that day, the fourth day in a row that the number surpassed 100,000.
These numbers are well above previous years of early voting.
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Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Signs for early voting are displayed outside a voting booth on October 9.
The early voting period for 2020 is from October 3 to October 16. Thursday was the sixth day of early voting in 2020.
This year’s voting is already seeing big numbers. More people voted early in the first four days than the entire early voting period of the 2011 election.
We will not know the finalized voting numbers until the Election Commission publishes them after the general election.
But Massey University’s head of public sector management group Dr. Andy Asquith said we may see those high early voting numbers continue, and even break the early voting record of 2017.
For some early voters, they are likely trying to avoid the last-minute rush at the polls, he said. But this year’s events could also encourage more people to vote.
“I would like to think that this year we will see an increase in electoral participation in general, because people have realized that the government is really important and can do useful things for society and within society.”
In terms of early voting, he said he believes it is likely “we will break the 2017 record.”
“I’d like to hope that the overall turnout is higher.”
Asquith thinks we could see more voting abroad. He said that due to the events of this year, there will be many overseas Kiwis who are planning to move home in the future and who want to be engaged with what is happening here.
This year’s elections are also different from the others because of the two referendums, he said.
The vote looks a little different this time, largely due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The election is being conducted as if the country were on Covid-19 alert level 2. Physical distancing and single-use pens are required at polling stations, and hand sanitizer will be available. There are also no “I voted” stickers this year.
The Election Commission has also beefed up the number of early voting locations and has been encouraging Kiwis to make the most of them to help avoid lines and crowds on Election Day.
In a statement, the commission urged people to take advantage of a large increase in early voting slots open this weekend.
Elections Director Alicia Wright said about 450 polling places were open last Saturday, but the number will increase to nearly 1,350 polling places this Saturday and about 850 on Sunday.
On the same day of the elections, Saturday October 17, the commission will have some 2,600 voting places open.
RYAN ANDERSON / THINGS
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made slow progress in Auckland’s south markets today – stopping for selfies and chats
“Turnout since voting opened on Saturday has been very strong, with more than 475,000 votes cast in the first five days, far exceeding the 309,000 votes cast in the first five days of 2017,” Wright said.
Registration numbers also increased, with 91% of eligible voters registered compared to 90% at the same time in 2017.
Among young people aged 18-29, the increase is even greater: 75% compared to 71% in 2017.
Early voting accounted for nearly half of all votes in 2017, and the Election Commission says that figure could reach 60 percent this time.
JASON DORDAY / Things
National Party Leader Judith Collins pictured on Saturday’s election campaign at Howick Village Market.
Voter predictions
In Saturday’s election campaign, Labor leader Jacinda Ardern was asked about the high turnout in early voting, which she called “excellent.”
When asked if there could be a bigger turnout overall this year, Ardern said “signs would suggest that may be the case,” but it might be too early to tell.
Registration and early voting suggest that the numbers may be higher, he said. Overall, it was a good thing for New Zealand and a sign of a healthy democracy, he said.
Seven days until the general election
With only seven days to go to the general election, what else do you need to know? We take a look:
Early voting ends on Friday, October 16.
Saturday October 17 is the official date of the elections. Polling places will be open from 9 am to 7 pm. On Election Day, there will be about 2,600 polling places.
JOHN BISSET / Stuff
The Church Street voting booth in Timaru has seen a steady stream of voters.
A map and a list of designated voting sites can be viewed online. Polling place locations and hours, which vary, are available at vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.
Larger venues will be used this year to reduce queues and waiting times, and to allow for social distancing.
Schools, community rooms and marae will be used, as well as some shopping centers. Supermarkets will not be used.
Those who registered correctly on time will have EasyVote cards to allow for faster voting. Those without an EasyVote card can still vote, it is also not necessary to bring identification.
A staff member will find your name at the polling function via your EasyVote card or your name and address.
The electoral vote gives you the option of voting for one party and one candidate, or just one or the other.
There are also two referendums to vote: the cannabis legalization and control referendum and the end-of-life election referendum. Both are optional.
Once completed, the papers should be folded in half and placed in the ballot box of your constituency. The Maori electorate box is gray, the general electorate box is orange. The votes of the referendum will be placed in the purple boxes.
People voting outside of your constituency may be required to complete a “special declaration of vote” form before casting their vote. The same is true for people who sign up on Election Day or who are on the unpublished list.
You can find information and articles on the referendum on cannabis and the referendum on euthanasia at Stuff. You can also keep up to date with the election news on our Tick. Bookmark the podcast.
