New Zealand's attorney general, Judith Collins, has warned that the government's proposed electoral law reforms could breach human rights law and disenfranchise over 100,000 voters. The reforms, announced last week by the right-wing government, include closing voter enrolment 13 days before election day, reinstating a total ban on prisoner voting, and prohibiting free food, drink or entertainment near polling stations.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the changes, arguing that late enrolments have caused weeks-long delays in counting votes. 'We want everyone to participate in our democracy… but we need to make sure that people are registered in advance of voting,' he told RNZ on Monday.
However, in a report to parliament, Collins stated the proposal 'appears to be inconsistent' with the Bill of Rights, including the right to vote and freedom of expression. She noted that during the 2023 general election, over 200,000 special votes were cast, including 97,000 first-time registrations during the voting period. Special votes are more common among younger people and Māori, Asian and Pasifika communities, who may be disproportionately affected.
Regarding the blanket ban on prisoner voting, Collins said it would disenfranchise those with a right to vote 'and cannot be justified'. Luxon acknowledged the attorney general's statutory obligation to review legislation against the Bill of Rights and said the government would consider the advice.
Opposition parties have criticised the reforms, with Labour's justice spokesperson Duncan Webb calling them 'an appalling change that will make it harder for a lot of people to exercise their democratic right'. Collins declined further comment.
