A summary of the rules that apply to voters and candidates during the voting period.
Each voting paper belongs to the individual voter. Everyone has the right to vote, in private and without pressure or influence from others.
You can find the list of rules in the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Do not interfere or try to influence someone who is voting
- Do not campaign or promote any candidate within sight of a voting place.
- Do not watch someone – such as a family member – while they vote. Let them make their choice in private.
Do not misuse a voting paper
Treat voting papers with care and respect.
- Do not change or tamper with a voting paper.
- Do not use a voting paper or an image of one in any campaign or promotional material.
- If you get a voting pack for someone who does not live at your address, write "Gone No Address" on the envelope and return it by post.
Do not handle another person’s voting paper without permission
Only certain people are allowed to handle someone else’s voting paper:
- electoral officials and postal workers can handle voting papers as part of their jobs
- you can post or drop off your partner’s voting papers if they have asked you to
- electoral officials can help a disabled person vote, but only if the person asks for help
- people who are running in an election should not collect other peoples' voting papers - even if they are trying to help.
Do not attempt to bribe a voter
You must not offer money, gifts or any kind of reward to try to influence how someone votes.
Do not use food to influence someone's vote
- You must not offer food or drink as a reward to influence someone's vote.
- It is okay for candidates to provide light refreshments after a public meeting. This is not the same as trying to buy someone’s vote with food.
Do not use threats or violence to influence a voter
Voters must be able to vote freely, safely and without pressure.
No one should be threatened, intimidated or harmed to make them vote a certain way – or to stop them from voting.
Do not impersonate another voter
Do not try to vote more than once by using another person's voting paper in addition to your own.
You can only vote using your own voting paper.
If you get a voting pack for someone who does not live at your address, write "Gone No Address" on the envelope and return it by post.
Do not try to use it to vote. This is illegal.
Report your concerns
If you believe someone is breaking an election rule, contact the Electoral Officer at info@electionservices.co.nz or phone 09 973 5212.
Rules for candidates
Rules on this page apply to both voters and candidates. For more candidate rules, see the candidate handbook.
These include:
- election sign rules
- election advertising rules – including details on authorising statements
- rules about declaring election donations and expenses.