Voters urged to have their say in DCC by-election

Voters are being reminded to have their say as the deadline for the Dunedin City Council by-election looms.

As of today, 22,193 votes have been received (a return rate of 23.43% of eligible voters), which is down slightly compared to the same point in last year’s DCC election, Dunedin Deputy Electoral Officer Robyn Dillon says.

Polling closes at midday on Tuesday 12 May 2026, meaning anyone who has not yet voted is “running out of time”, Ms Dillon says.

“We’re also not expecting to see the same last-minute surge in voting returns as occurred during last year’s election, which makes it all the more important for people to act now and vote.

“This is about the makeup of your Council and the future direction of your city – so please don’t forget to have your say.”

People have until midnight on Monday (11 May 2026) to enrol to vote. You can do this online at vote.nz.

Anyone who is enrolled and has not already posted their voting papers should now drop them into one of the orange bins around the city, or return them directly to the electoral office located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

Staff will also be on hand in the Octagon on Tuesday morning (10am-12 noon) to collect voting papers from passing motorists.

“Simply pull over where it is safe to do outside the Civic Centre and our friendly staff will be on hand to take your papers and make sure they’re added to the count.”

A progress result is expected later on Tuesday afternoon, followed by a preliminary result on Wednesday and a final result on Thursday.

The successful candidate is due to be inaugurated at a Council meeting the following Monday (18 May 2026).

More information: How to vote

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