The Electoral Commission is reminding Māori voters that time is running out to decide whether they want to be on the Māori roll or the general roll before this year’s General Election, with the deadline to make a change set for midnight on Thursday 6 August.
More than 300,000 Māori voters will receive email and text message reminders throughout July, encouraging them to check their enrolment details, update their address if needed, or change between the Māori and general rolls before the three-month roll freeze begins.
Chief Advisor Māori Hone Matthews says the reminders follow letters sent to all enrolled Māori voters in April explaining the Māori Electoral Option and the choices available to eligible voters.
He says Māori who are happy with the roll they are currently enrolled on do not need to take any action. However, anyone wishing to move from the Māori roll to the general roll, or from the general roll to the Māori roll, must do so before the deadline.
Once the roll freeze begins on 7 August, Māori voters who are already enrolled will not be able to change roll types until after the election. People who are not yet enrolled can still enrol and choose their preferred roll up until 25 October, but those already enrolled must make any changes before 6 August.
The Electoral Commission says changing rolls or updating enrolment details is straightforward and can be completed online through vote.nz or by returning the enrolment form sent earlier this year.
The latest figures show thousands of Māori have already exercised their choice.
Between 31 March and 30 June:
- 4,731 voters changed from the general roll to the Māori roll.
- 5,113 voters changed from the Māori roll to the general roll.
- 3,381 new voters enrolled directly onto the Māori roll.
- 2,087 new voters enrolled onto the general roll.
- More than 15,000 people updated their enrolment details without changing rolls.
The Commission says keeping enrolment details up to date is just as important as choosing the correct roll, helping ensure voters receive important election information, including their EasyVote card.
Māori voters who enrol by 4 October will receive an EasyVote card by post or email, making the voting process quicker and easier on election day.
The Electoral Commission has also advised voters to be aware of official communications. Email reminders will be sent from no-reply@easy.vote.nz, while official text messages will come from the number 5101.
The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November, with 25 October the final day to enrol to vote.
For many Māori, the choice between the Māori and general rolls plays an important role in determining Māori electorate representation and the shape of parliamentary democracy.
Further information about enrolment, changing rolls and the Māori Electoral Option is available at vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.
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