Electoral Act 1993

Elections - Issue of writ

139: Contents of writ

You could also call this:

"What's included in the election writ, like important dates for nominations and voting"

When you get a writ for a general election or a by-election, it must include some important dates. You will see the latest day for people to nominate themselves as candidates and a Saturday for the polling to take place if a poll is required. The writ must also include the latest day for the return of the writ.

The polling day cannot be earlier than 20 days after the nomination day. If the writ is not issued under section 153E(2), the latest day for the return of the writ is 60 days after it is issued. If the writ is issued under section 153E(2), the latest day for the return of the writ is 78 days after it is issued.

You need to know these dates to understand when things will happen during an election. The dates are important for the election process to run smoothly. These rules help make sure everything happens on time.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

This page was last updated on 18 July 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM309482.

Topics:

Government and voting > Elections

138: Filing of return, or

"Telling the Clerk who was elected to fill a vacant seat"

140: Chief Registrar to be notified of writ, or

"Telling the Chief Registrar when a writ is issued"

Part 6Elections
Issue of writ

139Contents of writ

In every writ for a general election or a by-election there shall be appointed—
the latest day for the nomination of constituency candidates; and
a day for the polling to take place if a poll is required, being a Saturday; and
the latest day for the return of the writ.

Polling day must not be earlier than the 20th day after nomination day.
Repealed
The latest day for the return of the writ (other than a writ issued under section 153E(2)) shall be the 60th day after its issue.
The latest day for the return of a writ issued under section 153E(2) shall be the 78th day after its issue.

Notes

Section 139(1): amended, on 28 February 2002, by section 53(1) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).
Section 139(2): replaced, on 11 March 2020, by section 11(1) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 2).
Section 139(3): repealed, on 28 February 2002, by section 53(2) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).
Section 139(4): amended, on 11 March 2020, by section 11(2) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 2).
Section 139(4): amended, on 28 February 2002, by section 53(3) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).
Section 139(5): amended, on 28 February 2002, by section 53(3) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).