Our role is to run parliamentary elections that are free and fair, following the rules set out in the Electoral Act.
We provide an effective and impartial electoral system that New Zealanders can understand and trust.
To do that, we make sure voters have clear information about how the election is run, including how and when you can enrol and vote.
Vote.nz is the trusted source of all the information you need to take part in the 2026 General Election.
Sorting the fact from the fiction
We’ve put together some facts about New Zealand’s parliamentary elections to answer common questions and misconceptions about our electoral system.
Facts about New Zealand elections
There’s always the potential for inaccurate information to spread before an election.
Take a moment. Slow down and check the information you see or hear. If you see something that doesn’t look right on your social media feed, don’t share it.
If it’s about enrolling, voting or the election results, check vote.nz for the correct information.
Rules and tips for social media
Election advertising
During an election campaign, political parties and other groups try to influence how people vote.
If you see an advertisement encouraging you to vote or not vote for a candidate, party or type of candidate or party, it could be an election advertisement.
All election advertisements need a promoter statement with the name and contact details of the person promoting the advertisement.
Election advertising doesn’t include editorial content like news items, personal views online, or an MP’s contact details.
There are different organisations you can contact if you have questions or concerns about an election advertisement.
Advice and complaints about election advertising
After the election
After everyone has voted, we count the votes for candidates and parties.
The preliminary results are released on election night. They are an indication of the outcome of the election but are not the final results.
There’s a lot that needs to be done before we can release the official results and declare who has been elected to Parliament.