August 17, 2020
COVID forces four week delay to election
The election has been put off until October 17.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this morning she has been advised by the Electoral Commission that a safe and accessible election is achievable on this date.
The delay gives the commission more time to prepare including freeing up facilities for early voting during school holidays.
Moving the date by four weeks also gives all parties a fair shot to campaign.
Ms Ardern said COVID-19 will be with us for some time, so pushing out an election does not lessen the risk of disruption.
The Electoral Commission has planned for the possibility of holding an election where the country is at Level 2, and with some parts at Level 3.
Parliament will now dissolve on September 6, with writ day a week later and advance voting starting on October 3.
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