1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This submission on the Electoral Amendment Bill (the Bill) is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative).

1.2 The Initiative is a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. We undertake research that contributes to the development of sound public policies in New Zealand, and we advocate for the creation of a competitive, open and dynamic economy and a free, prosperous, fair and cohesive society.

1.3 In combination, our members employ more than 150,000 people, spanning the breadth of the New Zealand economy. The views expressed in this submission are those of the author rather than the Initiative’s members.

1.4 The Initiative has a long-standing interest in strengthening democratic institutions, including electoral reform. In 2020 we produced a report, Democracy in the Dark, which identified wide gaps in the public’s understanding of civics and politics. Earlier this year, we submitted on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-Year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill. We are also working on a report on how the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system could be improved after nearly thirty years in operation.

1.5 We generally support the Bill. Many of its provisions implement recommendations made by the Justice Select Committee’s Inquiry into the 2023 General Election. In particular, the Bill addresses a growing problem: the time needed to receive, process, verify and count increasing volumes of special votes.

1.6 In 2023, when the time taken to declare the result was almost three weeks, the commencement of coalition negotiations was delayed, extending the period when the country was in limbo. In contrast, many other countries count all their votes and declare their results much quicker, usually in hours or days rather than weeks. The United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Germany, and Ireland are examples of countries that provide rapid results.

1.7 This submission comments on provisions for enrolment, advance voting, special vote processing, and election day restrictions. We do not have any comments on other aspects of the Bill.