Māori Electoral Option
The roll type a Māori voter is on determines whether they can vote for a candidate in a general electorate or a Māori electorate at any general elections and by-elections. It is also relevant to local body elections where cities or regions have a Māori ward or constituency. Voters on the Māori roll will vote in Māori wards or constituencies where these exist.
The Government introduced changes to the Māori Electoral Option (MEO) in 2022 to support Māori voters to exercise their democratic rights by removing restrictions acting as a barrier to Māori electoral participation and engagement. These changes also promote Māori participation and engagement with the electoral process.
The Electoral (Māori Electoral Option) Legislation Bill, which passed its third reading in Parliament on 16 November 2022, will allow Māori to change rolls at any time and as often as they like except during certain pre-election periods: the three months before polling day for general and local body elections; and, for some Māori voters in an electorate where a parliamentary by-election occurs, in the period leading up to the by-election.
You can find out about the Bill here(external link)
These changes come into effect on 31 March 2023, so the new option can be exercised by Māori voters in time for the 2023 General Election. Māori voters will be notified prior to the three-month exception period of their right to change rolls.