How to Vote from Overseas
This gem appeared in my fan mail box during May:
LazyBones wrote:
Hey
With the election coming up in NZ and many ex-pats (such as myself) keen to vote can you post some information on how we go about this, who is eligible to vote, deadlines etc.Know this sounds lazy and should do it myself but I’m sure there are many people in the same situation as me who won’t be arsed to do it.
Dear Lazybones
Knowing yourself and your limitations is one of the greatest virtues. I applaud your honesty and your willingness to make a genuine effort to vote this election. However, because you couldn’t be “arsed”, you’ll have to put up with my somewhat sarcastic response. ;-) So convinced am I of your excitement, that I will try and make this as painless a journey for you as possible.
Who can vote from overseas?
You can vote if you are enrolled and:
* you are a New Zealand citizen and have visited New Zealand within the last three years, or
* you are a permanent resident of New Zealand and have visited New Zealand in the last 12 months.You can enrol or update your enrolment details online.
First: This website contains all the links you need.
However, in the interests of democracy, start here to Enrol or Check Your Enrolment Details
I know that you are too busy to pick up an enrolment form from any New Zealand diplomatic post, but this link may help someone who is not in London as you are. For you personally, I provide this pertinent information:
New Zealand High Commission London, United Kingdom
Street Address New Zealand House, Second Floor, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ, United Kingdom
Chancery Telephone +44 20 7930 8422 Chancery Facsimile +44 20 7839 4580
Website New Zealand High Commission London [external link]
Email Public Affairs aboutnz@newzealandhc.org.uk
Email Consular Assistance citizensadvice@newzealandhc.org.uk
Registration of New Zealanders Overseas [external link]
Office Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1700 hrs
***Note that these are banker’s hours and that
weekends simply will. not. do.***
For questions about voting from overseas email overseas@elections.org.nz.
For questions about enrolling email enrol@elections.org.nz.
From overseas call +64 4 495 0030.
I know that I’ve been a bit tongue-in-cheek, but hey, you can enrol and download the papers right from this post! All you will have to do then is get them to a post box in time. Good luck and God’s speed.
xxoxx
Frog
Note: This post has not been authorised because the fact that you vote is more important than who you vote for.
