How to enrol

Question 1

How do I know if I'm already enrolled?

Accepted Answer

Check at vote.nz/check — takes 30 seconds. You'll need your name and date of birth. If you got an enrolment pack in the mail in April 2025, you were on the roll at that point — but check your address is still current if you've moved.

Question 2

I've moved — do I need to re-enrol?

Accepted Answer

No, but you need to update your address because your voting papers go to your enrolled address.

Question 3

What's the difference between the Māori roll and the general roll?

Accepted Answer

If you're of Māori descent you can choose either. Both rolls give you the same party vote — the only difference is which electorate candidate you vote for (a general electorate MP or a Māori electorate MP). You can only change rolls during the Māori Electoral Option, held about every 5 years.

Question 4

I'm worried about my privacy or safety - can I enrol privately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can go on the unpublished roll — your name and address are kept off the public electoral roll. You're still enrolled and can still vote. Call 0800 36 76 56 to request this.

Question 5

I'm 17 — can I enrol now?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can enrol at 17 and your enrolment automatically activates on your 18th birthday. Get it done now so you're ready.

Question 6

Is enrolling really compulsory?

Accepted Answer

Enrolling is legally compulsory if you're eligible and living in New Zealand. Voting itself is optional — but you can't vote without being enrolled first. In practice prosecutions are rare, but the obligation is real.