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Electoral Act 1993

Elections - Custody of ballot papers

196A: Unlawful possession of ballot paper

You could also call this:

"Having a ballot paper without permission is against the law"

Illustration for Electoral Act 1993

If you get a ballot paper without permission under the Electoral Act 1993 or regulations made under this Act, you can be fined up to $2,000. You must not keep a ballot paper after you leave a polling place. If you do, you can be fined up to $2,000.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM310062.

Topics:
Government and voting > ElectionsCrime and justice > Criminal law
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196: Obligation of persons in possession of ballot papers, or

"Looking after ballot papers: keeping them safe and following the rules"

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"Don't try to influence voters on election day or you could get in trouble"

Part 6Elections
Custody of ballot papers

196AUnlawful possession of ballot paper

  1. Every person is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, without authority under this Act or regulations made under this Act, obtains possession of any ballot paper.

  2. Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who retains any ballot paper in his or her possession after leaving a polling place.

Notes
  • Section 196A: inserted, on , by section 79 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1).
  • Section 196A(1): amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
  • Section 196A(2): amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).