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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Local Electoral Act 2001

Conduct of elections and polls - Adjourned elections or polls

73: Adjournment of election or poll

You could also call this:

"Delaying a Vote Because of a Big Problem"

Illustration for Local Electoral Act 2001

You can't vote if something big happens. The electoral officer can delay the vote for up to 14 days. They do this if something like a natural disaster happens. You will know if the vote is delayed. The electoral officer tells everyone as soon as they can. They might tell you in other ways too. The electoral officer can delay the vote again if they need to. They keep delaying it until you can vote safely.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM94382.

Topics:
Government and voting > Elections
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72: If election becomes unnecessary, or

"What happens if an election is no longer needed due to a candidate's situation"

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73A: Adjournment of electoral processes, or

"Changing local election dates in an emergency"

Part 3Conduct of elections and polls
Adjourned elections or polls

73Adjournment of election or poll

  1. This section applies if the electoral officer believes on reasonable grounds that electors are, or are likely to be, denied a reasonable opportunity to cast a valid vote at an election or poll because of—

  2. natural disaster; or
    1. adverse weather conditions; or
      1. the breakdown of communication or energy services; or
        1. riot or disorder; or
          1. any other event.

            1. If this section applies, the electoral officer may adjourn the close of voting for a period not exceeding 14 days, and may continue to adjourn the close of voting, if necessary, until the election or poll can be held or taken, as the case may be.

            2. The electoral officer must give public notice of every adjournment under this section as soon as practicable, and may give any other notice that the electoral officer considers desirable.

            Compare
            • 1976 No 144 s 48