What the election day rules mean for you: what you can't post or do until 7pm
Today is election day, and a strict set of rules applies until polls close at 7pm. You can't campaign, and that includes posts on your own social media. RNZ first reported the details in an explainer, and the Electoral Commission's own guidance backs them up.
The one thing to remember: keep your views about how to vote off the internet and out of the polling place until 7pm. Saying you have voted, or reminding people to vote, is fine.
What happened
RNZ published an explainer on what is banned on election day. The rules come from the Electoral Act 1993. RNZ reported that breaking them can lead to a fine of up to $20,000.
The Electoral Commission says that from midnight before election day until 7pm, you can't post or share content likely to, or intended to, influence someone's candidate or party vote. Paid online election advertising is also banned. The usual exemption for personal political views online does not apply on election day.
RNZ also reported that the Commission referred 20 people to police over election day social media posts in 2023. The Commission does not watch everyone's posts. It responds to complaints and can ask for material to be removed.
What it means for you
- Voters on social media: Don't post "vote for X" or anything that pushes others towards a party or candidate. Don't post a photo of your completed voting paper. The Commission suggests not using a profile picture, filter or frame that backs a party or candidate.
- People with old posts: You don't have to delete earlier material. It must only be available to people who choose to look for it. Don't repost it or pay to promote it today.
- Anyone going to a polling place: Don't film or photograph other voters. Publishing images of someone filling in their voting paper is a potential offence. Once you have voted, the Commission asks you to leave straight away.
- Helpers and volunteers: RNZ reported that you can remind people to vote or offer them a lift, as long as you don't try to influence how they vote. A party lapel badge or rosette with a promoter statement is allowed, but not one with a candidate's name.
- Households with signs: Election signs and hoardings had to come down by midnight on the Friday before election day.
- Community groups: RNZ reported that a 100-metre buffer now bans free food, drink and entertainment around polling places. Places that normally serve food, such as a school staffroom or a tangi, can carry on.
How it works out
There are no dollar calculations for most people, so here is a simple example of a day.
Morning: You vote at your local school hall. You take a selfie outside with your ballot paper in the shot and a caption about your party. That could breach the rules, because the post is up between midnight and 7pm.
A safer version: You post "I've voted, have you?" with no party, candidate or ballot. The Commission's guidance says that is fine.
Old posts: A post from last month backing a candidate stays up on your page. That is fine if you don't repost it and nobody is pushed towards it today. If you want to be safe, change a profile picture that backs a party before you post anything.
Worst case: RNZ reported the maximum fine is $20,000. Enforcement is complaint based, so most slip-ups will be caught only if someone reports them.
What to do now
- Check your profile picture, banner and pinned posts. Change any that back a party or candidate before you post anything today.
- Wait until after 7pm to share your political opinions, ideas or results chatter.
- At the polling place, leave your phone away from other voters' voting papers, vote, and go.
- If you see a breach, contact the Electoral Commission. It can refer matters to police but can't prosecute itself, RNZ reported.
- Still need to vote? Check our enrol and vote guide and the Commission's site for your nearest voting place.
Common questions
Can I tell people I voted?
Yes. The Commission says you can remind people to vote or say you have voted. Just don't encourage anyone to vote for, or not vote for, a particular party or candidate.
Do I have to delete everything I've posted about the election?
No. Older material can stay if people only see it by choosing to visit it, you don't promote it, and you don't repost it today. Updating it today could count as new content.
When can I talk about the election again?
Voting closes at 7pm on Saturday 7 November 2026. After that, the election day restrictions end.
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Last reviewed 7 November 2026. Written in our own words by Streetwise from the news story and official pages listed above. General information only, not legal or financial advice.