Wellington: New Zealand’s government has passed the first reading of a bill that seeks to tighten voting laws by ending same-day voter enrolment and revoking voting rights for all prisoners. If enacted, voters must enrol at least 13 days before elections, ending the current practice of simultaneous enrolment and voting during advance polling.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith claims the bill aims to streamline vote counting and reduce costs, noting over 600,000 special votes were cast in 2023, delaying results. However, critics—including legal experts and civil groups—warn the bill could disenfranchise thousands, particularly young and marginalized voters. Over 97,000 voters registered during the voting period last year.
Additionally, the legislation would remove voting rights from all prisoners, undoing a 2020 decision that allowed some inmates to vote. Attorney General Judith Collins acknowledged potential conflicts with the Bill of Rights but said the government would proceed. The bill is set for further readings and is expected to fuel intense political debate.
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