Special Voting: What you need to know

If you’ve enrolled or updated your details after 1 August 2025, or if you haven’t received your voting papers in the mail by 22 September, you may need to cast a special vote.

Special voting papers are an alternative to the regular postal voting papers and are available from your local council electoral officer. To receive your special voting papers, pop into a Council office at the times listed below or send an email to governance@southwaikato.govt.nz. Include your full name, address, the reason for casting a special vote and if you are on the Māori or General roll.

Here’s how Special Voting works:

1. REQUEST – Email or visit a Council office site (see below) to request your voting papers.
2. VOTE – Fill in your voting document by following the instructions.
3. PACK – Place it in the Special Vote return envelope and seal.
4. RETURN – Send it back via freepost by Tuesday 7 October, or pop it into one of the orange bins by midday on 11 October.

Special voting drop-in sessions
Drop in to a Council site at the days and times listed below to request your voting papers.

What to expect

• Only a limited number of staff are available to issue special voting packs, so please allow extra time in case you need to wait.
• You’ll need to complete a declaration form, which staff will help you with. This requires your name, physical address, the reason for your special vote (for example, if you have recently moved), and if you are on the Māori or General roll.
• If you can’t attend during the times above, please contact The Deputy Electoral Office at governance@southwaikato.govt.nz or phone 07 885 0340 to arrange another time.

Key dates

• Last day to enrol: Friday 10 October 2025
• Voting closes: Midday Saturday 11 October 2025 (all ballot bins will be removed at 12pm).

Make sure to get in early if you need to cast a special vote - don’t leave it to the last minute.