Your Vote Counts - Are you Enrolled?
Election year is here, and with it comes plenty of political discussion. For some people, it’s an exciting time to think about the future of our country. For others, it can feel overwhelming, confusing or even frustrating.
Some people might feel that their vote won’t make a difference. Or they might think, What’s the point? They’re all the same anyway. Or perhaps they simply don’t feel like they know enough about politics to make a decision.
But your vote is your voice, and it matters.
The decisions made by our government affect our everyday lives, from housing and jobs to education, healthcare, and the cost of living. The people we elect make decisions that affect our communities, our families and our future.
And we all have different priorities. What matters most to a university student may be very different from what matters to a family raising children, someone renting their home, or a pensioner. There isn’t one right set of values, and you don’t have to agree with everything a political party says.
Not sure who aligns with your views?
If you are feeling confused about which party might best match your views, there is a website that can help.
WhichParty NZ is an independent, non-partisan online quiz that asks you questions about different policy issues and shows you which parties’ positions most closely match your answers. It takes less than five minutes to complete the core questions and can be a useful starting point if you’re unsure where you stand.
Take some time to look at the issues that matter to you, find out what the different parties are proposing, and make the choice that feels right for you.
Your vote really does matter.
There are people across New Zealand who are eligible to vote but aren’t enrolled. Young people (18+), people who have moved house, renters and people who haven’t updated their details can easily find themselves missing from the electoral roll.
If you’ve moved since you last enrolled, it’s particularly important to check that your details are up to date. Your enrolment address determines the electorate you vote in.
For the 2026 General Election, you must be enrolled by midnight on Sunday 25 October. Voting begins on Monday 26 October with Election Day on Saturday 7 November.
Enrolling is free and easy. You can check your enrolment, update your details or enrol online through Vote NZ, or phone 0800 36 76 56.
Your vote is your choice
You might not love politics. You may not feel strongly about any particular party. You may even feel that your one vote won’t make a difference.
But if you don’t vote, you’re leaving the decision to everyone else. And you have the opportunity to have a say in the direction our country takes.
Make your vote count.
Contact Jan if you need help or support with your enrolment.