21 June 2019 - New Zealand to put voting machines in supermarkets
Milk, bread, democracy: New Zealanders get to vote in supermarkets
Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin (The Guardian, 21/06/2019)
As well as picking up a carton of milk and a loaf of bread at the supermarket, voters in New Zealand will also be able to pick their new prime minister at the next election, after a shake-up of voting laws allowed for ballot boxes to be placed in busy shops and malls.
The new regulations announced this week will also allow same-day registration and voting.
One in five eligible people did not vote in the 2017 election which saw Labour’s Jacinda Ardern elected.
Voting at supermarkets, malls on way
(Otago Daily Times, 20/06/2019)
Kiwis will be able to vote at next year's general election while doing their weekly food shop.
Justice Minister Andrew Little has announced that ballot boxes will be in more venues at the 2020 election - including supermarkets and shopping malls.
"New Zealanders deserve to have their votes counted. Nearly half of voters are now exercising their right to vote prior to election day," Little said.
"Those early voters are able to both enrol and vote at the ballot box.
Pak 'n vote: Ballot boxes in Hawke's Bay supermarkets welcomed
(NZ Herald, 21/06/2019)
A move by the Government to increase the number of ballot boxes in more venues at next year's general election has been welcomed by Hawke's Bay's political leaders.
Justice Minister Andrew Little announced changes on Thursday where voters will be able to enrol on election day, and allow ballot boxes to be placed in supermarkets and malls to make it easier for people to vote.
The Electoral Commission recommended a number of small changes to make it easier for people to enrol and vote, which the Government agreed to make.
Voters to be able to enrol on election day - Andrew Little
(RNZ, 20/06/2019)
Voters will be able to enrol and vote on election day next year, Justice Minister Andrew Little says.
Mr Little said the change was only fair, given that people voting in advance were allowed to enrol and vote on the same day.
Other changes for next year's election include providing more polling places closer to where people live, such as at supermarkets.
The decision follows recommendations by the Justice Select Committee's ongoing inquiry into the last election, when polling booths were trialled in supermarkets and malls.