Election 2020: Why You Don’t See Any Political News Right Now

You may have thought your favorite media outlets would be overflowing with political coverage on what is arguably New Zealand’s biggest day – Election Day.

Across the country, Kiwis are casting their say on who should rule the country for the next three years.

However, they will also find media, and they should find social media, largely calm about today’s elections.

That’s because the law prohibits anyone from doing anything that could influence the votes on Election Day, during the 7 p.m. between midnight and 7 p.m. Saturday, when the polls close.

Media companies may not post political opinions, political advertising, and other news, tweets, or social media posts that may influence voters.

Politicians should make sure they have removed all election billboards and stop campaigning or taking political walks to win over voters.

They can still chat with ordinary New Zealanders and encourage them to vote as long as they are not encouraged who to vote for.

The law means Kiwis can have a quiet day to contemplate their voting decision without being bombarded by relentless political messages.

Subsequently, the media should post photos of the public and politicians in the voting booths and provide articles that only contain general information about the vote.

It also means that photos of cute dogs visiting the voting booths are the preferred visits for the media.

However, while some undoubtedly appreciate the peace and quiet, others have wondered why the law exists.

As of the end of Thursday, more than 1.7 million New Zealanders had cast early votes.

That figure is far ahead of the 1.2 million who voted early in the last election and means that 50.7 percent of the 3.4 million registered voters in the country have already spoken.

Some political experts say that these voters voted while subjected to a series of political campaign ads and stories in the media.

They argue that it made the election day blackout look silly.

Regardless of New Zealanders’ position on the law, those who have been losing their political solution will soon be bombarded with political stories again.

The ban on political coverage is lifted at 7pm.

The Herald is planning comprehensive radio, video, digital and print coverage and analysis of the results.

Before that, the Election Commission will release its official early voting count at 2 p.m., showing how many people had cast their votes by the end of Friday.