Enrolments Of Up To 6800 People With Residence Class Visas Could Be Affected - Electoral Commission
by RNZ · SCOOPThe Electoral Commission says it's identified an issue with how enrolment eligibility is processed in its enrolment system, and is now contacting some people with residence class visas.
"Some people with residence class visas who have applied to enrol have been asked to provide information on their immigration status when they didn't need to," said Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer.
"Initial assessments indicate a maximum of 6,800 people may have been affected."
"We will be contacting people who have been requested to provide additional information to advise them that their enrolment application is sufficient and they can cast a valid special vote.
"We are investigating this further and treating the matter with urgency," said Le Quesne.
He acknowledged it had added an extra step for these people and encouraged anyone concerned to get in touch via freephone on 0800 36 76 56 or send an email to enquiries@elections.govt.nz.
"Anyone that is eligible to enrol who applied before the 25 October enrolment deadline can still cast a special vote," Le Quesne said.
"We are making it a priority to resolve these issues."
A note from the Commission explained that to be eligible to vote in New Zealand, you must be 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or a resident for electoral purposes, and have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life.
"You're a resident for electoral purposes if you're living in New Zealand lawfully and you're not required to leave within a specified time."
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading