Voter enrolment at highest June mark but youth participation plummets ahead of November election
New Zealand's overall voter enrolment rate is strong, but enrolment among 18- to 24-year-olds has fallen to 53%, with an early deadline likely to suppress youth participation further.
As of June 30, just over 89% of eligible New Zealanders were enrolled to vote – the highest rate for that date across the past four elections. However, youth enrolment has declined markedly, with only 53% of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled as of June 30, down from 60% in 2023 and 70% in 2011. A legislative change means anyone enrolling after the advance voting period begins will not be able to vote, with the final enrolment deadline on 25 October – the earliest deadline in over 30 years. Evidence suggests Māori, Pasifika, and Asian voters, along with young people, are likely to be disproportionately affected by the earlier deadline.
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As election day approaches, what do we know about who’s enrolled to vote?
The latest stats show the overall enrolment rate isn’t looking too shabby, but for 18- to 24-year-olds, the picture is more concerning – and the earliest enrolment deadline in decades is likely to have further negative impact. As of June…