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Why is the Electoral Commission not recording the number of individuals who attempt to vote but are turned away?

Answered Question 35471 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Why is the Electoral Commission not recording the number of individuals who attempt to vote but are turned away?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I am advised that the Electoral Commission (the Commission) records if someone has voted but will not be counting how many people come to a voting place but do not vote. People leave voting places for various reasons without voting. The Commission advises it would not be able to track whether or not they come back later during the voting period.