Social services oppose election enrolment change

In a submission on the Electoral Amendment Bill, the council told Parliament’s Justice Committee the proposed change would reduce voter eligibility and would disproportionately impact Māori and young people.

The proposed change would also likely breach the Bill of Rights Act, the NZCCSS added.

The NZCCSS, which includes Catholic Social Services as a foundation member, noted that 453,940 people enrolled and voted during the 13 days prior to the end of voting in the 2023 general election. This was 15.7 per cent of the total number of voters.

A further 110,000 enrolled or updated their enrolment on election day, the submission stated.

“Removing the ability to enrol or update enrolments during this period risks lower voter turnout and restricts the ability to vote for people turning 18 during this period despite them having the right to do so.”

Already enrolled voters who change address during this time or have not updated their address risk having their electorate vote not counted and those released from prison just before an election would lose their right to vote, the submission argues.

The NZCCSS submission noted that, in the last election, 17.3 per cent of Māori voters changed or updated their enrolment during the impacted period, compared with 9.8 per cent of non-Māori. Additionally, 48 per cent of Māori voters aged 18-19 enrolled or updated their details during this period.

The proposed changes to enrolment “are likely to disproportionately affect Māori and further worsen historically low Māori voter turnout”, the submission stated.

Also noted was a recommendation in the Ministry of Justice Regulatory Impact Statement that this provision should not be passed, as well as concerns by the Attorney-General about compliance with the Bill of Rights Act.

The NZCCSS submission stated that “justification for the changes to the enrolment period is already targeted by other amendments in this Bill which are more likely to provide benefit”.

The submission also opposed the Bill’s proposal to implement a blanket ban on prisoner voting as being “solely punitive” and risking “further disenfranchisement and isolation of this population”.

FULL REPORT

Microsoft Word – 20250911 NZCCSS Electoral Amendment Bill submission – Final (NZCCSS/NZ Parliament)

Major electoral law overhaul includes ending same-day enrolment, clarity on treats for voters (NZ Herald)