Social Services concern at voter roll shifts before elections

In a submission to an inquiry into the 2025 local body elections, the NZCCSS said it had received feedback through member organisations of people who were previously enrolled being unable to vote in the 2025 local elections despite reporting they had updated their enrolment details in the lead-up to the election.

Voters can be placed on the dormant roll due to mail from the Electoral Commission being returned as undeliverable, because they’ve moved and haven’t updated their address or haven’t voted in a recent election with their details unable to be confirmed.

The NZCCSS, which includes Catholic Social Services as a foundation member, noted that the Electoral Commission still relies heavily on the postal system to contact people.

Placing voters on the dormant roll who are unable to be contacted through the postal system unfairly prejudices those renting, experiencing homelessness or living transiently, the submission stated.

The NZCCSS also noted that after the 2023 General Election, the Electoral Commission recommended increasing the use of alternative options for their communication, expanding this to include the use of email or phone to help to encourage enrolment.

“While we strongly support the continued use of the postal service as a means of communication for those for whom it is most suited, expanding communication methods is likely to increase the chances that people update their enrolment details and are not moved to the dormant roll,” the NZCCSS stated.

The submission called for further investigation into the processes for putting people onto the dormant roll.

Concern was also raised about enrolment issues in the lead-up to the 2025 local elections possibly affecting people’s ability to vote in the Māori wards and constituencies referendum.

FULL STORY

Inquiry into the 2025 local elections (NZCCSS/NZ Parliament)

How to check your enrolment after concerns from voters (Radio New Zealand)