NZ election 2026 by the numbers: the key facts and figures
120 seats, 71 electorates, nearly 3.8 million enrolled, 700,000 special votes expected and results from 7:30pm. Every key number for New Zealand's 2026 election in one place.
In this guide
Every key number for New Zealand's 2026 general election, in one place. Bookmark it for Saturday night.
The headline numbers
- 7 November: election day. Voting 9am to 7pm.
- 120: seats in Parliament, plus any overhang.
- 61: seats for a majority in a 120-seat Parliament.
- 71: electorates. 49: list seats.
- Nearly 3.8 million: people enrolled, about 93.6% of those eligible.
- About 700,000: special votes expected.
- 27 November: official results.
Seats
| Number | What it is |
|---|---|
| 120 | Seats in Parliament before any overhang |
| 71 | Electorate seats |
| 64 | General electorates: 48 North Island, 16 South Island |
| 7 | Māori electorates |
| 49 | List seats, up from 48 in 2023 |
| 5% | Party vote threshold, unless a party wins an electorate |
| 61 | Seats for a majority of 120 |
Where the 120 seats come from in 2026
- 48 North Island general electorates
- 16 South Island general electorates
- 7 Māori electorates
- 49 list seats
Voters and votes
| Number | What it is |
|---|---|
| Nearly 3.8 million | People enrolled for 2026 |
| 93.6% | Share of eligible people enrolled |
| 309,876 | Votes in the first three days of advance voting, up from 235,515 in 2023 |
| 12 | Days of advance voting, 26 October to 6 November |
| About 700,000 | Special votes expected, up from 603,257 in 2023 |
| 78.2% | Turnout in 2023 |
First three days of advance voting
- 2023235,515
- 2026309,876
Times on election night
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 9am | Voting places open |
| 7pm | Voting closes, counting starts |
| About 7:30pm | First results, mostly advance votes |
| 10pm | Target: 50% of voting places counted |
| 11:30pm | Target: 95% of voting places counted |
Read what time results come out.
Dates
2026 election: the key dates
- 21 JanPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announces 7 November.
- 4 OctWrit day. Last day to enrol and get an EasyVote card.
- 8 OctNominations close at noon.
- 21 OctOverseas voting opens.
- 25 OctEnrolment closes at midnight.
- 26 OctAdvance voting opens across New Zealand.
- 6 NovAdvance and overseas voting end.
- 7 NovElection day. Vote 9am–7pm. Results from 7pm.
- 27 NovOfficial results.
- 3 DecWrit returned.
History in numbers
| Number | What it is |
|---|---|
| 55th | Parliament elected in 2026 |
| 11th | Election under MMP |
| 1853 | First general election |
| 1893 | Women win the vote |
| 1 | Single-party majorities under MMP, Labour in 2020 |
| 65 days | Longest wait for a government under MMP, 1996 |
| 93.7% | Highest turnout since 1984, at the 1984 election |
Questions and answers
How many people are enrolled to vote in 2026?
Nearly 3.8 million, about 93.6% of eligible voters.
How many seats are in the NZ Parliament?
120, plus any overhang seats. There are 71 electorates and 49 list seats in 2026.
How many special votes are expected?
About 700,000, according to the Electoral Commission.
What number of seats is a majority?
61 of 120. More if overhang seats are added.
Sources
- Electoral Commission: enrolment, advance voting and special vote figures.
- vote.nz.
- 2026 New Zealand general election.
This guide is general information about New Zealand elections, checked against the sources linked above on 4 November 2026. For anything about your own enrolment or vote, check vote.nz or call the Electoral Commission on 0800 36 76 56.
Keep reading
NZ election 2026: everything you need to know
The 2026 New Zealand general election in one place: the date, key deadlines, how to vote, the parties and leaders, what's changed, and when and where to get the results.
NZ election 2026 live results: when, where and how the vote count comes in
Live results for New Zealand's 2026 election start at 7pm on Saturday 7 November. Here's when each part of the vote count lands, where to follow it, and how to read it.
Voter turnout in New Zealand: 1984 to 2023, and what to watch in 2026
Turnout fell from 93.7% in 1984 to 74.2% in 2011, rose to 82.2% in 2020 and dropped to 78.2% in 2023. Here's the full record, who votes and who doesn't, and the 2026 signs.