To lure younger voters, who make up 40% of the unenrolled population, the Department of Internal Affairs is expanding into the online world.Voters will be able to re-enrol and update their details online in time for next year's general election, Justice M
To lure younger voters, who make up 40% of the unenrolled population, the Department of Internal Affairs is expanding into the online world.
Voters will be able to re-enrol and update their details online in time for next year's general election, Justice Minister Simon Power said today.
“Taking advantage of the internet will make it as simple as possible for people to participate in elections, Mr Power said.
“In particular, it will make enrolling more accessible to people aged between 18 and 24 who make up approximately 40% of unenrolled eligible voters.”
The legislation, which will be introduced to Parliament in November, is the first step in a process that will eventually allow voters to use the internet to enrol for the first time.
Currently, voters have to complete and sign a written form when enrolling and making changes to their details.
The Electoral (Administration) Amendment Bill No 2 allows voters to re-enrol and make changes to their details online using the 'igovt' government logon service, which is run by the Department of Internal Affairs.
This will take effect from the middle of next year when the legislation is expected to be passed.
The changes will also ensure that all electoral enrolment offences include internet-based acts.
Full online enrolment will use a robust identify verification service now under development by the Department of Internal Affairs
