The 2011 General Election will take place on Saturday 26 November, Prime Minister John Key announced today.
“I believe it is in the country’s best interests to know the date of the General Election early in election year,” says Mr Key.
“It creates certainty for New Zealanders and allows people to plan accordingly. This is particularly true this year when the Rugby World Cup, the third largest sporting event in the world, is being hosted by New Zealand.
“Last night I rang the Governor-General to advise him of the election date,” says Mr Key.
The Government’s intention is that the House will rise on Thursday 6 October, and Parliament will be dissolved on 20 October. Writ day will follow on Wednesday, 26 October, and nomination day will be Tuesday 1 November.
Election date announcement and key dates
The Prime Minister has today announced that the 2011 general election and referendum on the voting system will be held on 26 November 2011. The key dates for the general election and referendum are:
2011 GENERAL ELECTION AND REFERENDUM TIMETABLE
Wednesday 2 February
Prime Minister announces dates for 2011 general election and referendum
Monday 30 May
Launch of enrolment campaign and voter referendum information campaign
Friday 26 August
Regulated period for election and referendum advertising expenses begins
Thursday 20 October
Dissolution of Parliament
Wednesday 26 October
Writ Day
Governor General issues formal direction to the Electoral Commission to hold the election.
Wednesday 9 November
Advance and Overseas Voting starts
Friday 25 November
Advance Voting ends
Last day to enrol for the election.
Friday 25 November
Midnight
Regulated period ends
All election and referendum advertising must end and election signs must be taken down
Saturday 26 November
Election Day
Polling places open from 9.00am to 7.00pm.
Election Night
Preliminary results released progressively from 7.00pm on www.electionresults.govt.nz.
Saturday 10 December
Official results for general election and referendum declared
(including special declaration votes)
A more detailed timetable will be provided in late May.