Voting opens across Aotearoa for the 2026 General Election

Voting for the 2026 General Election officially begins today, Mon Oct 26, 2026, giving whānau across Aotearoa the opportunity to cast their ballots early ahead of election day on Sat Nov 7, 2026.

A total of 207 advance voting locations are opening today, providing 1,437 hours of voting access in accessible spaces such as shopping areas, transport hubs, marae, community halls, and tertiary institutions.

Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne emphasizes that the placement of voting sites is designed to make participating in the election seamless for voters going about their daily routines.

“Voting places will be open before election day in convenient locations including shopping areas, transport hubs, marae, community halls and tertiary institutions, to make it easy for people to vote as they go about their daily lives,” says Karl Le Quesne. “The days and hours that advance voting places are open vary, so check before you go to vote.

Key Details for Voting
• Advance Voting Opening: Mon Oct 26, 2026
• Election Day: Sat Nov 7, 2026 (9AM-7PM)
• Election Day Locations: More than 2,300 voting places nationwide

The Electoral Commission confirmed that EasyVote cards are being delivered via email and post in time for the start of voting. While having an EasyVote card speeds up the process at the booth, it is not required to vote.

Voters can locate their nearest advance voting booth and check opening hours by visiting or by calling 0800 36 76 56.

Key Waiariki Advance Polling Locations Opening Today (Mon Oct 26, 2026)

Whānau across the Waiariki electorate can cast their vote early starting today, Mon Oct 26, 2026. Below is a breakdown of selected advance voting locations and their operating hours for today:

Note: Opening days and times for advance voting places vary throughout the voting period. Whānau are encouraged to double-check operating hours online before heading out to vote.