Faith communities mobilise to support voter enrolment

By CathNews New Zealand

August 25th, 2026

One of the Common Grace Aotearoa No Voice Uncounted events (Common Grace Aotearoa/Instagram)

Wellington Archdiocese’s Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission has endorsed an initiative to encourage voters to enrol before the cut-off date for the November general election.

The Commission endorsed Common Grace’s “Leave No Voice Uncounted” initiative, which has taken place in faith communities throughout the nation.

Common Grace Aotearoa’s roadshow invited people to meet the organisation’s directors over dessert and coffee to hear how their church or community group could help enrol and empower voters in their area. An online webinar was held on August 11.

The Electoral Amendment Bill passed late last year ended same-day voter enrolment, banned prisoners from voting, allowed for larger anonymous political donations and clarified the ban on giving out food at voting places.

People must now enrol at least 13 days before the election. The general election is on November 7.

Concerns have been expressed that the enrolment changes place marginalised groups – including renters, young people and those on the fringes of society – at high risk of being left out of democracy.

When the legislation was passed, Radio New Zealand reported that the changes to enrolments could prevent 100,000 or more people from voting.

Publicity for one of the Common Grace events stated, “As Christians, loving our neighbour means making sure everyone has the chance to be heard. Our churches are already deeply connected to the people who might be impacted yet unaware of these changes – through our social services like foodbanks, through youth groups, playgroups and other ministries”.

“Together, we can enrol and turn out our churches, communities and neighbours. This isn’t telling people how to vote, but making sure they can have their say.”

After some of the roadshow events, Common Grace Aotearoa stated, “We’ve been deeply encouraged by the turnout and conversations we’ve had. Meeting people across different churches and communities who share a deep conviction for making sure their neighbour’s voices don’t get left out this election has been really heartening.”

The Government said the changes to enrolment would improve the timeliness, efficiency and integrity of elections.

FULL STORY

No Voice Uncounted online webinar on 11 August (Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington)

Enrol to vote by 25 October (Elections NZ)

Common Grace – Election Roadshow (Anglican Movement)

Electoral Amendment Bill passes its third reading in Parliament (Radio New Zealand)

Instagram (Common Grace Aotearoa)