Turnout for 2026 election on track to be the second lowest in New Zealand history

The turnout for the 2026 election is on track to be the second lowest in New Zealand history.The Electoral Commission said 74.6 percent of eligible voters cast a vote.It included more than 2.4 million ordinary votes and the just under 400,000 special votes that are yet to be counted.The 2.8 million votes compares to more than 3.6 million at the last election.Just under 3.7 million people were enrolled to vote, 93.6 percent of the population and short of the 94.7 of the last election, though that was a record rate.Chief Electoral office, Karl Le Quesne said the turnout was slightly under 2023's turnout.He estimated there were about 400,000 special votes to be counted - and 96,000 of them are from overseas - so they have to allow 10 days for them to be returned.The preliminary results are based on the 2,432,403 ordinary votes counted on election night, including informal votes. They are indicative only and will change after special votes have been checked and counted.The official results process is expected to be completed in 20 days - the date for release is Friday, 27 November.