Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Electoral Act 1993

Elections - Polling at elections

161: Hours of polling

You could also call this:

"When you can vote on election day: 9 am to 7 pm"

Illustration for Electoral Act 1993

On polling day, you can vote from 9 am to 7 pm. The voting starts at 9 am and usually ends at 7 pm, unless the law says otherwise. You can still vote at 7 pm if you are already at the polling place waiting to vote.

If you are at the polling place at 7 pm, you can still get a ballot paper and vote. You can mark and deposit your ballot paper like you would have if you voted earlier. This means you won't miss out on voting if you are already there.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM309805.

Topics:
Government and voting > Elections
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"People chosen to watch voting at polling places"

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"Time off work to vote on polling day"

Part 6Elections
Polling at elections

161Hours of polling

  1. The poll at every election shall commence at 9 am on polling day, and, except as otherwise provided in this Act, shall finally close at 7 pm on the same day.

  2. Every elector who at the close of the poll is present in a polling place for the purpose of voting shall be entitled to receive a ballot paper and to mark and deposit it in the same manner as if he or she had voted before the close of the poll.

Notes
  • Section 161(2): amended, on , by section 101(1) of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).