New Zealand's Attorney-General Questions Government's Electoral Reform, Prime Minister Defends Changes

In a recent development, New Zealand's Attorney-General, Judith Collins, has raised concerns about the proposed changes to the country's electoral laws, stating that they may conflict with citizens' constitutional rights. The proposed Electoral Amendment Bill includes provisions that would prohibit prisoners from voting and eliminate the ability to register to vote on election day. Collins has warned that these changes could potentially disenfranchise tens of thousands of voters, with younger people, Māori, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities being disproportionately affected.

The government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has defended the reforms, arguing that the current electoral system is unsustainable. The proposed legislation would close voter registration on the Sunday night before early voting begins, requiring voters to register at least 13 days before the election. This change aims to streamline the handling of special ballots and ensure a smoother voting process.

Collins, however, has suggested alternative solutions, such as setting the voter registration deadline to the day before the election, or three, five, or seven days prior. She has also emphasized that the government could have chosen a different approach to ensure fairer access to voting rights for all New Zealanders.

Prime Minister Luxon has responded by stating that it is the Attorney-General's legal responsibility to review legislation and ensure it aligns with the Bill of Rights Act. He has also pointed to Australia as an example, noting that the country does not allow voter registration on election day. Luxon argues that requiring voters to register two weeks before the election is not unusual and allows sufficient time for people to prepare.

During the 2023 general election, over 110,000 voters registered or updated their information on election day itself. The government's proposed changes would end that practice, raising concerns among advocacy groups and legal experts about the potential impact on voter participation.

While the debate over electoral reform continues, the government remains committed to its plans, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and sustainable voting system. However, critics argue that the reforms may undermine democratic principles by limiting access to the ballot for vulnerable communities.