Enrolments Of Up To 6800 People With Residence Class Visas Could Be Affected – Electoral Commission

The
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.”

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