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\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Nate McKinnon\n<\/p>\n
The government’s changes to the electoral system<\/a> have passed their third reading in Parliament.<\/p>\n The Electoral Amendment Bill ends same-day voter enrolment, bans prisoners from voting, allows for larger anonymous political donations, and clarifies the ban on giving out food at voting places.<\/p>\n People must also enrol at least 13 days before the election.<\/p>\n The legislation has been found inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act<\/a> and the changes to enrolments could prevent 100,000 or more people from voting.<\/p>\n The government says the bill will improve the timeliness, efficiency and integrity of elections.<\/p>\n The opposition says it aims to suppress voting.<\/p>\n Labour MP Ginny Andersen said it was among the worst legislation the government had passed.<\/p>\n The bill, which went through its second reading and Committee of the Whole stage under urgency just last week<\/a>, passed with the support of the coalition parties.<\/p>\n Most aspects will take effect the day after royal assent – within a few days – and a few other provisions taking effect from New Year’s Day 2026.<\/p>\n