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Electoral Act 1993

Miscellaneous provisions

266: Validation of irregularities

You could also call this:

"Fixing mistakes in the electoral process"

Illustration for Electoral Act 1993

You can fix mistakes in the electoral process. The Governor-General can make changes if something is not done on time. They can extend deadlines or make something done incorrectly valid. You can do this if something is done too early or too late. It can also be done if something is not done correctly in terms of form. The Governor-General can make other changes as needed. However, this does not apply to presenting an election petition or giving security for costs. An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM310485.

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Government and voting > Elections
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Part 9Miscellaneous provisions

266Validation of irregularities

  1. The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, take any of the actions described in subsection (2) if—

  2. anything is omitted to be done by, at, on, or within the time required by or under this Act or any regulations made under this Act; or
    1. anything cannot be done by, at, on, or within the time required by or under this Act or any regulations made under this Act; or
      1. anything is done before or after the time required by or under this Act or any regulations made under this Act; or
        1. anything is otherwise irregularly done in matter of form; or
          1. sufficient provision is not made by or under this Act or any regulations made under this Act.

            1. The actions are,—

            2. at any time before or after the time within which anything is required to be done, to extend that time; or
              1. to validate anything done before or after the time required; or
                1. to validate anything irregularly done in matter of form; or
                  1. to make such other provision for the case as the Governor-General thinks fit.

                    1. Subsection (1) does not apply to—

                    2. the presentation of an election petition; or
                      1. the giving of security for costs in relation to an election petition.

                        1. An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

                        Notes
                        • Section 266: replaced, on , by section 133 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 82).