10.0 20.12.Voter and Non voter Satisfaction Survey 2020.pdf

Report into the 2020 General
Election

Prepared by Kantar New Zealand
for the Electoral Commission

December 2020

© Kantar 2020

link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 9 link to page 13 link to page 22 link to page 25 link to page 33 link to page 40 link to page 62 link to page 67 link to page 68 link to page 71 Contents
Background
5
Methodology
6
Enrolment status and behaviour
9
Awareness and knowledge of the General Election
13
Communications
22
Pre-Election Day behaviour
25
Voting and Election Day behaviour
33
Polling place behaviour and satisfaction
40
Non-voter behaviour and reasons for not voting
62
Confidence in fair and impartial elections
67
Appendix A: Overview tables (2020)
68
Appendix B: Sample profile
71

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
2

Background
The Electoral Commission is responsible for registering electors and maintaining electoral rolls, conducting parliamentary
elections and referendums, advising Ministers and Select Committees of Parliament on electoral matters, promoting
public awareness of and engagement in electoral matters and supporting the Representation Commission in its
determination of electoral boundaries.
The Electoral Commission undertakes a survey of voters and non-voters following each General Election. The primary
objectives of the survey are to:
‒
Measure voter satisfaction with the services the Electoral Commission provides
‒
Understand the level of engagement with the voting process, barriers to voting, and how to address these barriers
for each identified population group

The Electoral Commission commissioned Kantar to conduct a survey with voters and non-voters after the General
Election in 2020. Similar surveys have been conducted on behalf of the Electoral Commission and its predecessor the
Chief Electoral Office since 2005. Where possible this report includes comparisons to the 2017 results.
Groups of particular interest to the Electoral Commission who have had lower levels of participation are those people
who identify themselves as:
‒
Māori
‒
Pasifika
‒
Asian
‒
Youth (18-29)
‒
Non-voters

Results for these groups have been highlighted throughout this report.
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
5

Methodology
Questionnaire
One questionnaire was developed to meet the research objectives, covering both voters and non-voters. The
questionnaire was largely based on that used in 2014 and 2017. Some extra questions/sections were added and these
have been noted throughout this report.
The final average interview length (via telephone) was 24 minutes.

Sample design/ quotas
The post-Election study was conducted through multiple data collection methods to ensure the most robust and
representative sample possible. The total sample was broken into the following targets:
–
A random sample of 750 people eligible to vote, which was collected through CATI (Computer Assisted
Telephone Interviewing) surveying by random digit dialling, rather than from lists generated from the electoral
roll. This was to ensure we collected the views and attitudes of people who didn’t enrol. Some of the following
target groups were also collected in this sample:
–
A minimum sample of 150 people who identified themselves as Māori and were eligible to vote, which was
achieved through random digit dialling and CATI surveying of those identified as being of Māori ethnicity;
–
A minimum sample of 150 people who identified themselves as Pasifika ethnicity and who were eligible to vote,
which was collected through a mixture of nationwide CATI and face to face surveying in Auckland;
–
A minimum sample of 150 people who identified themselves as Asian ethnicity and who were eligible to vote,
which was collected through a mixture of nationwide CATI and face to face surveying in Auckland;
–
A minimum sample of 150 people aged between 18-29 (Youth) who were eligible to vote, which was collected
through nationwide CATI surveying;
–
A minimum sample of 150 people who were eligible to vote but did not vote in the 2020 General Election, which
was collected through nationwide CATI surveying.
The following sample sizes were collected:
Group
Sample size
European
623
Māori
158
Pasifika
153
Asian
155
Youth (18-29)
155
Non-voters
157*
Total
1038

*Please note there were five respondents in the sample who only voted in the referendums and not the general election.
They are therefore classified as non-voters for some questions where the sample size will be 162.
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
6

Weighting
All data was post-weighted to ensure it was representative of the New Zealand population (based on the 2018 Census
where applicable) by:
‒
Age group (18-29 years, 30-49 years, 50 years plus)
‒
Gender
‒
Region (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Other North Island, Other South Island)
‒
Ethnicity (European, Māori, Pasifika, Asian) allowing for multiple ethnicities
‒
Voters and non-voters
‒
Disability

Response rate
In total the CATI survey received a response rate of 15%. The main reason for non-response was refusal to participate.

Fieldwork period
The surveying was conducted between the 20th of October 2020 and the 24th of November 2020.

Margin of error
The table below shows the sample sizes and accompanying margins of error for the key quota groups. These margins of
error are shown to give an indication of the robustness of the results for each group. A 95% confidence level is used for
significance testing and 50% test proportion assumed in order to give a maximum margin of error for each group.
Quota group
Sample size
Margin of error
Māori
158
+/- 7.8%
Pasifika
153
+/- 7.9%
Asian
155
+/- 7.9%
Youth (18-29)
155
+/- 7.9%
Disabled
241
+/- 6.3%
Non-voters
157
+/- 7.8%
Total
1038
+/- 3.0%

Note that arrows (↓ ↑) are used in tables to indicate 2020 results that are significantly higher or lower than in 2017.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
7

Notes on reading this report
The results for the 2020 survey have been compared to 2017 where applicable however there are a number of situations
where a comparison is not possible and this has been indicated by a dash (-) in the relevant table.
Situations which result in data being unavailable for 2017 include:
‒
The question has been added for 2020
‒
The question wording/code frame has changed significantly enough to make results incomparable

Not all columns in this report add to 100% due to rounding or questions with multiple response categories.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
8

Enrolment status and behaviour
This section of the study focused on understanding enrolment status and behaviour.
Enrolled to vote in the 2020 NZ General Election
In total 94% of eligible voters surveyed say they were enrolled to vote in the 2020 General Election which is very close to
the actual rate of 94.1%. This is similar to the survey result in 2017 (92%).
Table 1: Enrolled to vote in the NZ General Election

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
92%
94%
77%↓  86%↑
91%
93%
78%
88%
91%
92%
95%
96%
64%
69%
No
6%
4%
17%↑  10%↓
7%
5%
15%
8%
8%
6%
4%
3%
29%
24%
Not sure (but I
know what
1%
1%
4%
3%
1%
3%
5%
3%
1%
2%
0%
1%
4%
5%
enrolment is)
Not sure what
1%
0%
2%
1%
1%
0%
2%
2%
0%
0%
2%
0%
3%
2%
enrolment is
n =
1164
1038
284
155
196
158
179
153
186
155
184
241
163
162
The following people were more likely to report being enrolled in 2020:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (96% versus 90% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 50+ (99% versus 91% aged 18-49)

The following people were less likely to report being enrolled in 2020:
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (88% versus 95% for non-Pasifika ethnicity)
‒
Those who are female (92% versus 96% for male)

The following people were more likely to report being enrolled in 2020 compared to 2017:
‒
Those who are male (96% versus 91% for males in 2017)
‒
Those aged 18-29 (86% versus 77% for Youth in 2017)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
9

Reasons for initially enrolling to vote
Two in five eligible voters (42%) said they enrolled to vote because they wanted their opinion to count, one third (33%)
said because it is compulsory, and one in ten (9%) did so because they want to make a difference. Seventeen percent of
people gave another reason for enrolling. The number of eligible voters enrolling because it is compulsory is significantly
higher than for the 2017 General Election, while the number of people enrolling to make a difference is significantly lower
than the 2017 General Election.
Table 2: Reasons for initially enrolling to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Wanted my opinion to  44%  42%  37%  37%  44%  40%  51%  46%  52%  45%  44%  36%  24%  30%
count
You have to, it’s the
16%↓  33%↑  12%↓  20%↑  18%
21%
24%
27%
21%
27%
13%↓  36%↑  22%↓  34%↑
law
Wanted to make a
19%↑
9%↓
12%
12%
19%
12%
40%↑  17%↓  36%↑  18%↓  21%↑
8%↓
9%
4%
difference
Someone I know
6%
6%
18%
17%
3%
8%
13%
8%
6%
7%
4%
7%
16%
17%
encouraged me to
I saw an ad that
encouraged me to
-
1%
-
3%
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
1%
-
1%
enrol*
Someone from the
Electoral Commission
-
1%
-
3%
-
4%
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
4%
talked to me about
enrolling*
Another reason
29%↑  17%↓
28%
20%
22%
20%
10%
17%
22%
17%
28%↑  15%↓  29%↑  15%↓
Not sure
3%
3%
5%
1%
3%
4%
4%
3%
3%
5%
4%
3%
8%
6%
n =
1092
983
236
132
180
150
149
136
177
141
175
233
94
110
*New statement added in 2020
Of the 17% who gave another reason for enrolling, the majority were:
‒
It’s a good thing to do (e.g. “For New Zealand”, “It’s my right to vote”)
‒
It’s a duty or obligation
‒
Became of age since the last election
‒
Received papers in mail so enrolled

People who say it was because they wanted their opinion to count were more likely to have voted (44% versus 30% for
those who didn’t vote). These people were less likely to be disabled (36% versus 44% for non-disabled).
People who say it was because you have to it’s the law were more likely to be aged between 30-49 (39% versus 30% for
other age groups), of European ethnicity (37% versus 23% for non-European ethnicity). These people were less likely to
be aged 18-29 (20% versus 37% for 30+) and Māori (21% versus 35% for non-Māori).
People who say it was because they wanted to make a difference were more likely to be of Pasifika ethnicity (17%
versus 9% for non-Pasifika ethnicity), of Asian ethnicity (18% versus 8% for non-Asian ethnicity), and to have voted (10%
versus 4% for those who didn’t vote). People who say it was because they wanted to make a difference were less likely
to be aged 50+ (7% versus 11% aged under 50) and of European ethnicity (7% versus 15% for non-European ethnicity).
People who say it was because someone they knew encouraged them to were more likely to be aged 18-29 (17% versus
3% aged 30+) and female (8% versus 4% for males).
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
10

Intention to enrol
[% who have not enrolled but are eligible to do so].
Among those who are not enrolled but are eligible to do so (6% of our sample), fifteen percent say they definitely intend
to enrol with almost one third (31%) saying they intended to. There are no statistically significant differences between
intention to enrol compared to the 2017 General Election.
Table 3: Intention to enrol

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes, definitely
18%
15%
14%
15%
14%
46%
16%
27%
28%
0%
4%
33%
18%
13%
Yes, I intend to  18%
31%
24%
32%
19%
32%
34%
27%
25%
40%
26%
26%
18%
32%
Not sure
25%
29%
24%
34%
38%
23%
34%
26%
47%
35%
21%
14%
25%
29%
Probably not
18%
11%
24%
14%
19%
0%
12%
6%
0%
20%
36%
12%
18%
11%
Definitely not
21%
14%
14%
6%
10%
0%
4%
14%
0%
6%
14%
14%
21%
15%
n =
71
53
48
23
16
8
29
17
9
12
9
8
70
50
Base size is too small to look at differences between groups

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
11

Attrition voting rate
[% eligible to vote in both 2020 and 2017].
Three quarters (76%) of respondents eligible to vote in both 2017 and 2020, did vote in both elections. This is consistent
with 2017 when 77% of respondents eligible to vote in the 2014 and 2017 General Elections said they had voted in both
general elections.
The voting attrition rate remained stable, with 7% of people eligible to vote in 2017 and 2020 voting in the 2017 General
Election and not the 2020 General Election.
Table 4: Voting behaviour of those eligible in the most recent and last election

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Voted in 2017 Election
but not the 2020
5%
7%
11%
12%
4%↓
11%↑
15%
6%
6%
10%
7%
8%
Election (attrition rate)
Voted in 2017 Election
77%
76%
48%
50%
73%
64%
63%
73%
80%
70%
76%
79%
and the 2020 Election
Did not vote in 2017
Election but did in
5%
7%
13%
15%
8%
10%
5%
13%
7%
8%
4%
7%
2020 Election
(acquisition rate)
Did not vote in either
12%
10%
28%
23%
16%
14%
18%
8%
7%
12%
13%↑
6%↓
Election
n =
1015
960
161
107
162
152
151
126
145
133
166
229
The following people were more likely to have voted in both the 2020 and 2017 General Elections:
‒
Those aged 50+ (91% versus 65% for those aged 18-49 or 30-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (79% versus 68% for non-European)
‒
Males (79% versus 74% for females)

The following people were less likely to have voted in both the 2020 and 2017 General Elections:
‒
Those of Māori ethnicity (64% versus 78% for non-Māori ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 18-29 (50% versus 82% aged 30+)
‒
Those aged 30-49 (72% versus 79% for other age groups)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
12

Awareness and knowledge of the General Election
Understanding of the voting process
The 2020 study measured the level of understanding of the voting process overall and key aspects of the process. The
chart below summarises the results at the overall level and the following sections provide more information. In total,
understanding is high with over half saying they have an excellent understanding of the overall voting process, how to
vote and where to vote. While there is still understanding of what to do if you cannot get to a voting place (69% good or
excellent understanding), understanding of this aspect is weakest with 31% saying they have a poor or little to no
understanding.
Figure 5: Aspects of understanding of the voting process (total sample)

96%
91%
94%
89%
90%
86%
69%
46%
43%
Excellent
52%
42%
58%
55%
27%
Good
46%
46%
37%
44%
38%
39%
42%
Poor
6%
8%
5%
7%
3%
17%
4%
8%
6%
Little / no
11%
10%
14%
10%
Not sure
31%
Overall
Overall
How to
How to
How to
Where
What if
enrolment
voting
enrol
update
vote
to vote
cannot get to
process
process
enrolment
voting place
details


Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
13

Overall understanding of the voting process
A majority (89%) of people said they had at least a good understanding of the process for voting in the General Election,
including how to vote, where, when and what do to if you can’t get to a voting place, with a large proportion (52%) saying
they had an excellent understanding. Only 10% said they had a poor or very poor understanding.
Table 6: Overall understanding of the voting process

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Very good understanding  54%
52%
31%
31%
51%
47%
44%
47%
38%
50%
51%
47%
20%
20%
Good understanding
35%
37%
44%
47%
30%↓  42%↑  45%
41%
43%
33%
39%
45%
45%
47%
Poor understanding
8%
8%
21%
17%
12%
9%
9%
7%
11%
13%
7%
7%
26%
23%
Very poor understanding
2%
2%
4%
4%
5%↑
1%↓
2%
4%
6%
3%
2%
0%
8%
9%
Not sure
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
2%
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or very poor understanding of the voting process:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (21% versus 6% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (16% versus 9% for non-Asian ethnicity)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (31% versus 5% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (36% versus 8% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or very poor understanding of the voting process:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (8% versus 15% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 50+ (3% versus 14% aged 18-49)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
14

Overall understanding of the enrolling process
The vast majority (91%) of people said they had at least a good understanding of the process for enrolling in the General
Election, including how to enrol, and when and how to update your details, with nearly half (46%) saying they had an
excellent understanding.
Table 7: Overall understanding of the enrolment process

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Very good understanding  48%
46%
23%
27%
51%
42%
40%
48%
34%
43%
44%
47%
21%
25%
Good understanding
42%
46%
48%
55%
34%↓  49%↑  46%
39%
46%
45%
45%
45%
50%
54%
Poor understanding
7%
6%
23%↑  14%↓
8%
7%
11%
8%
13%
8%
6%
6%
20%↑  13%↓
Very poor understanding
3%
2%
6%
3%
6%
2%
3%
4%
5%
3%
4%↑
1%↓
8%
8%
Not sure
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or very poor understanding of the enrolment process:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (17% versus 5% aged 30+)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (21% versus 5% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (29% versus 7% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or very poor understanding of the enrolment process:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (6% versus 12% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 50+ (3% versus 11% aged 18-49)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
15

Understanding of how to enrol
The large majority (90%) of people said they had at least a good understanding of how to enrol to vote, with a large
proportion (43%) saying they had an excellent understanding. Only eight percent said they had a poor or little or no
understanding.
Table 8: Understanding of how to enrol to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent understanding
47%
43%
27%
31%
53%↑  42%↓  36%
49%
35%
46%
41%
45%
20%↓  28%↑
Good understanding
42%
46%
49%
55%
30%↓  51%↑  54%↑  36%↓  50%
45%
45%
44%
51%
51%
Poor understanding
6%
5%
14%
8%
7%
5%
5%
9%
10%
5%
9%
5%
15%
11%
Little or no understanding  4%
3%
9%↑
4%↓  10%↑  1%↓
5%
5%
5%
4%
4%
3%
13%↑  7%↓
Not sure
1%↓
2%↑
0%
3%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
2%
1%↓
3%↑
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to enrol to vote:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (12% versus 7% aged 30+)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (18% versus 6% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (30% versus 7% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to enrol to vote:
‒
Those aged 50+ (5% versus 10% aged 18-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (7% versus 11% for non-European ethnicity)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
16

Understanding of how to update your enrolment details
A majority (86%) of people said they had at least a good understanding of how to update your enrolment details, with a
large proportion (42%) saying they had an excellent understanding. Only 11% said they had a poor or little or no
understanding.
Table 9: Understanding of how to update your enrolment details

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent understanding
46%
42%
24%
28%
49%
41%
39%
46%
39%
44%
41%
42%
22%
26%
Good understanding
39%↓  44%↑  40%
46%
32%↓  46%↑  36%
37%
35%
41%
40%
44%
37%
44%
Poor understanding
9%
7%
21%
14%
10%
9%
16%
10%
13%
9%
14%↑  5%↓  24%↑  14%↓
Little or no understanding  5%
4%
13%
9%
9%↑
2%↓
9%
6%
8%
6%
5%
5%
15%
11%
Not sure
1%↓
2%↑
2%
3%
0%
1%
0%
1%
5%
0%
0%
2%
1%↓
5%↑
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to update your enrolment
details:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (24% versus 7% aged 30+)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (25% versus 8% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (41% versus 9% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to update your enrolment
details:
‒
Those aged 50+ (4% versus 16% aged 18-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (8% versus 18% for non-European ethnicity)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
17

Understanding of how to vote
The large majority (96%) of people had at least a good understanding of how to vote, with most of these (58%) saying
they had an excellent understanding. Only 4% said they had a poor or little or no understanding.
Table 10: Understanding of how to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent understanding
62%
58%
42%
40%
58%
51%
41%
57%
47%
56%
57%
58%
24%
30%
Good understanding
31%↓  38%↑  39%↓  52%↑  25%↓  40%↑  50%
33%
43%
38%
35%
40%
47%
51%
Poor understanding
5%↑
2%↓  13%↑  6%↓
10%
9%
6%
5%
8%↑
1%↓
5%↑
1%↓  19%↑  10%↓
Little or no understanding  3%
2%
5%
2%
7%
0%
3%
3%
2%
4%
3%
1%
10%
8%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
Rather not say
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to vote:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (8% versus 3% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Māori ethnicity (9% versus 3% for non-Māori ethnicity)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (18% versus 1% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (21% versus 3% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of how to vote:
‒
Those aged 50+ (1% versus 6% aged 18-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (3% versus 6% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Those who are disabled (2% versus 5% for non-disabled)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
18

Understanding of where you can vote
The large majority (94%) of people had at least a good understanding of where to vote, with most of these (55%) saying
they had an excellent understanding. There were fewer people saying they had an excellent understanding compared to
the 2017 General Election (55% versus 63% in 2017). Only 5% said they had a poor or little or no understanding.
Table 11: Understanding of where you can vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent understanding  63%↑  55%↓
41%
37%
60%↑  48%↓  51%
58%
52%
52%
62%↑  49%↓  29%
30%
Good understanding
31%↓  39%↑  42%
51%
29%↓  47%↑  41%
32%
42%
42%
31%↓  41%↑  49%
51%
Poor understanding
4%
3%
12%
6%
7%↑
2%↓
6%
4%
2%
3%
6%
6%
14%↑  6%↓
Little or no understanding  2%
2%
5%
3%
2%
1%
3%
4%
4%
3%
0%
1%
7%
9%
Not sure
0%↓
1%↑
0%
2%
1%
3%
0%
2%
0%
0%
1%
2%
1%↓
4%↑
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of where to vote:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (10% versus 3% aged 30+)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (15% versus 3% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (15% versus 4% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of where to vote:
‒
Those aged 50+ (2% versus 7% aged 18-49)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
19

Understanding of what to do if you cannot get to a voting place
Two thirds (69%) of people had at least a good understanding of what to do if you could not get to a voting place, of
which 27% had an excellent understanding and 42% had a good understanding. There were fewer people saying they
had an excellent understanding compared to the 2017 General Election (27% versus 35% in 2017). Just over a quarter
of people (27%) said they had a poor or little or no understanding.
Table 12: Understanding of what to do if you cannot get to a voting place

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent understanding  35%↑  27%↓
12%
12%
38%↑  25%↓  29%
38%
25%
31%
35%
30%
11%
9%
Good understanding
33%↓  42%↑  30%↓  39%↑  27%↓  43%↑  42%
33%
45%
41%
29%↓  44%↑  29%
38%
Poor understanding
20%
17%
35%
29%
19%
24%
18%
14%
20%
16%
24%↑  14%↓  37%
31%
Little or no understanding  9%
10%
21%
19%
12%↑  5%↓
9%
13%
6%
10%
7%
9%
20%
18%
Not sure
3%
4%
3%
1%
3%
2%
2%
2%
3%
2%
5%
4%
3%
5%
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1005
1038
251
155
196
158
102
153
107
155
179
241
149
162
The following people were more likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of what to do if you cannot get to a
voting place:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (48% versus 21% aged 30+)
‒
Those who didn’t vote in 2020 (49% versus 22% for those who did vote)
‒
Those who didn’t enrol to vote in 2020 (50% versus 26% for those who did enrol)

The following people were less likely to have a poor or little or no understanding of what to do if you cannot get to a
voting place:
‒
Those aged 50+ (12% versus 38% aged 18-49)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
20

Information sources people would use to enrol or change enrolment address
A range of channels would be used by people if they needed to enrol or change their enrolment address. Most
commonly the Electoral Commission’s website would be used by 55%. This is significantly higher than the 2017 General
Election (55% versus 47% in 2017). Calling the Electoral Commission’s 0800 number is second most common overall at
6%. Other channels are less common including: emailing the Electoral Commission (1%); and visiting various
government offices (local council 4%, local MP’s office 1%, Registrar’s or Returning Officer’s office 1%).
Twelve percent of people do not know what channels they would use, and this is particularly true for people aged 50+
(15%), those who are disabled (16%) and those who are not enrolled (21%).
Table 13: Information sources would use to enrol or change enrolment address

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Visit the Electoral
Commission
47%↓  55%↑  52%↓  68%↑  40%↓  62%↑  37%↓  48%↑  49%↓  64%↑  34%↓  47%↑  32%↓  52%↑
website
Call the Electoral
Commission 0800
8%
6%
4%
2%
6%
5%
28%↑  12%↓  18%↑  10%↓
6%
9%
4%
6%
number
Email the Electoral
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
4%
3%
9%
4%
0%
1%
1%
0%
Commission
Text the Electoral
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
Commission
Electoral
Commission's
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
Facebook page
Voting place*
-
1%
-
3%
-
1%
-
2%
-
5%
-
1%
-
2%
Ask my local MP's
2%
1%
1%
0%
2%
1%
9%↑
0%↓
2%
1%
2%
2%
1%
0%
office
Visit a registrar's
1%
1%
0%
0%
2%
0%
3%
1%
3%
1%
0%
2%
1%
0%
office
Visit a returning
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
2%
0%
officer's office
Local council
3%
4%
1%
1%
1%
3%
1%
0%
2%
1%
4%
5%
2%
2%
Library
1%
2%
1%
1%
1%
3%
3%
5%
1%
1%
1%
2%
2%
0%
Other
12%↓  29%↑  10%↓  21%↑  16%↓  27%↑
8%↓
18%↑
7%↓
16%↑  15%↓  34%↑  13%↓  34%↑
Don’t know
15%↑  12%↓  30%↑  11%↓  22%↑  12%↓
18%
18%
21%↑  12%↓  18%↑  16%↓  31%↑  14%↓
n =
1,162  1,026
284
151
196
158
179
147
184
149
184
240
163
161
*New statement added in 2020

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
21

Communications
Awareness of advertising about the voting process
Seventy two percent of people recalled advertising about the voting process. This is significantly higher than the 2017
General election (72% versus 52% in 2017).
Table 14: Awareness of electoral advertising

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
52%↓  72%↑  43%↓  80%↑  49%↓  77%↑  42%↓  58%↑  37%↓  71%↑  48%↓  72%↑  35%↓  66%↑
No
45%↑  26%↓  54%↑  19%↓  50%↑  22%↓
55%
39%
59%↑  29%↓  48%↑  25%↓  59%↑  32%↓
Don't know
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
3%
3%
3%
1%
4%
2%
6%
2%
n =
1165
845
284
117
196
100
180
133
186
120
184
189
164
46
The following people were more likely to recall advertising about the voting process:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (80% versus 70% for other age groups)

The following people were less likely to recall advertising about the voting process:
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (58% versus 73% for those of non-Pasifika ethnicity)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
22

Where did people see advertising about the voting process?
[% Among those who recalled advertising]
Television remains the most recalled source of advertising about the voting process, with sixty nine percent of those who
recalled advertising saying they had seen it on TV. This is significantly lower than the 2017 result (78%). Social media
was the second most recalled source of voting process advertising, being significantly higher than the 2017 result (23%
versus 14% for 2017).
Table 15: Source of electoral advertising awareness

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Television
78%↑  69%↓
60%
53%
77%
65%
80%
63%
74%↑  59%↓  85%↑  64%↓
67%
63%
Social media
14%↓  23%↑
34%
40%
21%
30%
20%
24%
16%
27%
10%
17%
17%
25%
Newspapers
18%
20%
5%
5%
18%↑
7%↓
28%
12%
32%
20%
13%
22%
10%
9%
Pamphlets or
10%↓  17%↑
7%↓
15%↑
9%
19%
24%
9%
18%
9%
10%↓  20%↑
5%
5%
fliers
Radio
21%↑  15%↓
17%
14%
14%
17%
39%↑  17%↓  34%↑  11%↓
16%
16%
10%
6%
Other website
11%
13%
15%
9%
9%
15%
7%
14%
8%
16%
10%
9%
14%
16%
Signs
11%
10%
10%
14%
11%
11%
35%
17%
39%↑  18%↓
9%
10%
7%↓
21%↑
Word of
5%↑
2%↓
7%
3%
6%
3%
14%
4%
15%↑
5%↓
4%
1%
4%
1%
mouth
Bus shelters
1%
2%
3%
3%
1%
1%
7%
3%
4%
8%
0%
1%
2%
4%
Street posters
0%
1%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
7%
0%
3%
0%
0%
0%
4%
Another place
5%↑
0%↓
0%
0%
4%
0%
3%
0%
2%
1%
5%
0%
2%
0%
Not sure
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
2%
3%
4%
0%
0%
1%
2%
1%
n =
764
590
167
86
119
71
110
85
108
82
111
126
78
32
The main sources of electoral advertising vary by age and show the importance of digital channels in reaching the Youth
segment.
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to notice television advertising (53% versus 74% aged 30+) and newspaper
advertising (5% versus 25% aged 30+); but they had the highest recall of advertising via social media (40% versus 18%
aged 30+).
Those of Māori ethnicity were less likely to notice newspaper advertising (7% versus 21% for non-Māori).
Those of Asian ethnicity were less likely to notice television advertising (59% versus 70% for non-Asian ethnicity) or
pamphlets (9% versus 18% for non-Asian), and were more likely to notice advertising from signs (18% versus 9% for
non-Asian ethnicity) and bus shelters (8% versus 1% for non-Asian).
Non-voters were more likely to notice signs (21% versus 10% for voters) and street posters (4% versus 1% for voters).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
23

What was the message of the advertising?
[% Among those who recalled advertising]
Among those who recalled advertising, the key messages being taken from the advertising were: Orange Guy and Pup
(34%), ‘Enrol. Vote. Be Heard’ (28%) and don’t forget to enrol to vote (28%).
Comparisons to 2017 have not been conducted due to differences in advertising and media strategy, and message
takeout.
Table 16: TV advertising message

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020
Orange Guy/pup
-
34%
-
28%
-
30%
-
19%
-
10%
-
30%
-
37%
Enrol. Vote. Be Heard.
-
28%
-
30%
-
33%
-
15%
-
29%
-
35%
-
10%
Don’t forget to enrol to vote
-
28%
-
19%
-
19%
-
23%
-
25%
-
24%
-
13%
Enrol to vote in the
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
9%
4%
3%
7%
7%
0%
referendums
You can vote now
-
7%
-
5%
-
13%
-
5%
-
7%
-
7%
-
1%
Enrol early to make voting
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
3%
7%
3%
3%
9%
0%
quick and easy
Check the mail for your
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
3%
8%
5%
7%
6%
0%
enrolment pack
There’s an election and
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
5%
6%
11%
8%
5%
0%
referendums coming up
Referendum questions (End of
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5%
3%
2%
7%
9%
3%
5%
Life Choice and/or Cannabis)
You can vote in two
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5%
4%
4%
1%
6%
6%
0%
referendums
Vote Ghost
-
4%
-
5%
-
1%
-
3%
-
3%
-
3%
-
0%
More voting places this year
-
4%
-
4%
-
3%
-
5%
-
5%
-
5%
-
0%
Stacey and Scotty Morrison
-
3%
-
0%
-
4%
-
1%
-
1%
-
1%
-
2%
You can get help to vote
-
2%
-
2%
-
5%
-
0%
-
2%
-
3%
-
0%
Election date has changed
-
2%
-
4%
-
0%
-
1%
-
4%
-
2%
-
1%
First time voter
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
1%
-
0%
Vote close to home
-
1%
-
2%
-
0%
-
0%
-
2%
-
2%
-
0%
Didn’t get an EasyVote pack
-
1%
-
1%
-
1%
-
1%
-
3%
-
2%
-
0%
Vote Like a Boss
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
3%
-
5%
-
1%
-
1%
Another message
-
18%
-
24%
-
28%
-
7%
-
11%
-
21%
-
15%
Not sure
-
17%
-
14%
-
18%
-
38%
-
27%
-
16%
-
33%
n =
-
574
-
84
-
70
-
79
-
76
-
125
-
31
Those who are disabled were more likely to recall ‘Vote. Enrol. Be Heard’ (35% versus 26% for non-disabled), as were
voters (29% versus 10% for non-voters).
Those aged 30-49 were more likely to recall the messages ‘don’t forget to enrol’ (36% versus 25% for other age groups).
and ‘there’s an election and referendums coming up’ (10% versus 5% for other age groups).
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
24

Pre-Election Day behaviour
Recall receiving an EasyVote pack
[% Among those enrolled]
Ninety three percent of those enrolled recall receiving an EasyVote pack in the mail. This is consistent with the 2017
result (94%).
Table 17: Recall receiving an EasyVote pack

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
94%
93%
85%
84%
94%
88%
90%↑  74%↓
90%
91%
92%
94%
83%↑  60%↓
No
5%
7%
13%
15%
6%
12%
8%↓
26%↑
8%
7%
7%
6%
14%↓  40%↑
Don’t know
1%
0%
2%
1%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
2%
1%
1%
3%
0%
n =
1,093
822
236
106
180
95
150
122
177
116
175
186
93
25
The following people were more likely to recall receiving an EasyVote pack in the mail:
‒
Those who voted in 2020 (94% versus 60% for non-voters)
‒
Those aged 50+ (97% versus 89% aged 18-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (96% versus 85% for non-European)
‒
Females (95% versus 91% for males)

The following people were less likely to recall receiving an EasyVote pack in the mail:
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (74% versus 94% for those of non-Pasifika ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 18-29 (84% versus 95% aged 30 years and over)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
25

How thoroughly people read the EasyVote pack
[% Among those who recalled receiving EasyVote pack]
Over half of those who recalled receiving an EasyVote pack read most or all of it. This is a significant increase compared
to the 2017 General Election result (55% versus 46% in 2017).
Table 18: How thoroughly people read the EasyVote pack

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Read most or  46%↓  55%↑  46%
53%
43%↓  62%↑
32%
36%
41%
46%
50%↓  68%↑
22%
15%
all of it
Read some of  24%↑  19%↓  26%↑  15%↓  21%
16%
38%
21%
37%
25%
16%
15%
20%↓  46%↑
it
Glanced at it
16%
14%
14%
15%
17%
12%
16%
26%
16%
22%
14%↑
7%↓
23%
23%
Didn’t read it
13%
12%
11%
15%
17%
11%
13%
17%
4%
5%
17%↑  10%↓
35%
16%
Note sure
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
2%
3%
3%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1,031
763
206
86
169
86
136
94
163
106
166
175
74
19
The following people were more likely to read most or all of the EasyVote pack:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (58% versus 45% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 50+ (61% versus 49% aged 18-49)
‒
Those who voted in 2020 (55% versus 15% for non-voters)
‒
Those who are disabled (68% versus 50% for non-disabled)

The following people were less likely to read most or all of the EasyVote pack:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (47% versus 59% for other age groups)
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (36% versus 56% for non-Pasifika ethnicity)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (46% versus 56% for non-Asian ethnicity)
‒
Non-voters (15% versus 55% for voters)

The following people were more likely to not read any of the EasyVote pack:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (16% versus 9% for other age groups)
‒
Those who voted on Election Day (17% versus 9% for those who voted before Election Day)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
26

Ease of finding the EasyVote card
[% Among those who read the EasyVote pack]
Ninety seven percent of those who read their EasyVote pack found the EasyVote card easily. This is significantly higher
than the 2017 result (95%).
Table 19: Did people find the EasyVote card easily

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
95%
97%↑
95%
93%
91%↓
98%↑
96%
91%
96%
96%
93%
97%
75%↓
87%
No
3%
2%↓
3%
3%
7%↑
0%↓
3%
9%
2%
2%
4%
1%
16%↑
13%
Not sure
2%
1%
1%
3%
2%
2%
1%
0%
1%
2%
3%
2%
8%
0%
n =
929
700
189
77
145
80
124
87
158
103
142
161
65
16
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to easily find the EasyVote card (93% versus 98% for 30+), along with those of
Pasifika ethnicity (91% versus 97% for non-Pasifika ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
27

Usefulness of the EasyVote pack
[% Among those who read the EasyVote pack]
Sixty two percent of those who read their EasyVote pack found it very useful. Eighty eight percent of people rated it a 4
or a 5 out of 5, which is significantly higher than the 2017 result (88% versus 85% for 2017). At the other end of the scale
only four percent did not find it very useful; there is a significant decrease in the amount of people who found their
EasyVote pack not at all useful (1% versus 4% for the 2017 General Election).
Table 20: How useful people found the EasyVote pack

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Very useful
68%↑  62%↓  63%↑  49%↓
70%
66%
74%
60%
69%
59%
63%
70%
30%
42%
(5)
4
17%↓  26%↑  20%↓  37%↑
11%
20%
16%
19%
16%↓  29%↑
19%
22%
14%
12%
3
9%
8%
11%
8%
10%
5%
7%
9%
11%
10%
8%
6%
26%
16%
2
1%
2%
1%
4%
1%
5%
2%
7%
1%
1%
1%
0%
3%↓
18%↑
Not very
4%↑
1%↓
5%
2%
8%
4%
0%
5%
3%
1%
9%↑
1%↓
25%
11%
useful (1)
Don’t know
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
n =
926
698
185
77
145
80
121
86
158
102
142
161
52
16
The following people were more likely to find the EasyVote pack very useful:
‒
Those aged 50+ (69% versus 56% aged 18-49)
‒
Those who are disabled (70% versus 59% for non-disabled)

The following people were less likely to find the EasyVote pack very useful:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (49% versus 65% aged 30+)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
28

Searching for additional voting information
One in five (20%) of eligible voters looked for additional information on how to vote. This is significantly higher than for
the 2017 General Election (20% versus 12% for 2017).
Table 21: Looked for additional voting information

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
12%↓  20%↑
21%
26%
14%↓  23%↑
12%
17%
18%
22%
7%↓
18%↑
10%
13%
No
87%↑  79%↓
79%
73%
86%
77%
87%
83%
80%
77%
92%↑  82%↓
89%
87%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
n =
1159
818
282
108
196
99
176
116
184
111
184
186
160
39
The following people were more likely to look for additional voting information:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (26% versus 19% aged 30+)
‒
Those aged 30-49 (27% versus 17% for other aged groups)
‒
Females (23% versus 17% for males)

The following people were less likely to look for additional voting information:
‒
Those aged 50+ (13% versus 26% aged 18-49)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
29

link to page 30 Where people look for additional voting information
[% Among those who looked for additional voting information]
Nearly half (47%) of those who looked for additional voting information conducted a general online search for
information. This is significantly higher than the 2017 result (47% versus 35% in 2017). One quarter (28%) visited the
Electoral Commission’s website in search of additional information. See Table 23 on page 30 for a rating of the website’s
usefulness, though note low sample sizes for this analysis.
Table 22: Source of additional voting information

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voters

2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020
Did a Google search / searched  35%↓  47%↑  34%↓  56%↑  19%  33%  28%  49%  30%  36%  48%  31%  28%  66%
elsewhere online
Visited the Electoral
35%
28%
41%
30%
23%
29%
9%↓  34%↑  42%
37%
9%
32%
25%
26%
Commission website
Asked someone I knew
16%
14%
25%
17%
17%
10%
23%
23%
29%
34%
21%
8%
29%
60%
Visited the referendums
-
13%
-
12%
-
15%
-
0%
-
8%
-
16%
-
0%
website*
Called the Electoral
5%
4%
2%
0%
14%
10%
15%
0%
4%
0%
4%
12%
0%
0%
Commission 0800 number
On Facebook/Twitter
1%
2%
2%
0%
0%
9%
8%
0%
0%
0%
4%
0%
4%
0%
A political party or candidate*
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
Emailed the Electoral
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
2%
3%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Commission
Visited a registrar or returning
officer’s
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
office
Asked my local MP’s office
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Other
18%↑  1%↓
7%
3%
29%↑  0%↓
22%
20%
5%
0%
31%↑  0%↓
19%
0%
Not sure
1%
3%
2%
1%
0%
0%
8%
18%
0%
3%
4%
0%
4%
0%
n =
162
145
60
26
29
20
28
19
36
23
16
33
18
4
*New statement added in 2020
Those of Asian ethnicity were more likely to ask someone they knew (34% versus 10% for non-Asian ethnicity) for
additional voting information, whereas those of European ethnicity were more likely to google search (53% versus 32%
for non-European). Those aged 30-49 were also more likely to google search for additional voting information (57%
versus 40% for other age groups).
Those aged 50+ were less likely to google search (25% versus 56% aged 18-49) for additional voting information but
more likely to visit the referendums website (22% versus 10% for aged 18-49) or call the Electoral Commission 0800
number (8% versus 2% aged 18-49). Those who are disabled were also more likely to call the Electoral Commission
0800 number (12% versus 2% for non-disabled) and less likely to google search (31% versus 51% for non-disabled).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
30

Usefulness of the Electoral Commission’s website
[% Among those who visited the website in search of additional voting info]
Sixty three percent of those who visited the Electoral Commission’s website found it very useful. This is consistent with
the 2017 result of 65%. Zero percent rated the website as not very useful, however note low sample size for this
analysis.
Table 23: How useful did people find the Electoral Commission’s website

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Very useful
65%
63%
60%
70%
75%
87%
100%
59%
55%
41%
100%
32%
0%
0%
(5)
4
18%
16%
8%
24%
25%
13%
0%
12%
17%
49%
0%
29%
0%
100%
3
9%
15%
22%
6%
0%
0%
0%
29%
28%
10%
0%
39%
23%
0%
2
0%
7%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
17%
0%
Not very
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
38%
0%
useful (1)
Don’t know
4%
0%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
22%
0%
n =
53
35
23
9
7
4
2
7
14
7
1
7
5
1
Significance tests have not been conducted on the various segments due to low sample size.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
31

Additional information people would have liked
Thirty seven percent could not think of any additional information around voting that they required. This is lower than the
2017 result (43%). Of those who wanted additional information, the most requested topics were more information on
voting place locations (9%), party policies/ candidates (6%), and information on the referendums (3%).
Table 24: Additional voting information wanted

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled
Non-voter

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Not sure
43%↑  37%↓
42%
34%
50%
39%
41%↓  57%↑  36%↓  57%↑  46%↓  32%↓  45%
59%
Voting place
6%↓
9%↑
6%↓
13%↑
4%
8%
13%↑
3%↓
21%↑
9%↑
2%↓
7%↑
6%
4%
locations
More info on party
7%
6%
12%
9%
5%
6%
7%
5%
10%↑  3%↓
10%
8%
8%
0%
policies/ candidates
More information on
-
3%
-
2%
-
2%
-
0%
-
1%
-
2%
-
3%
the referendums
Electorate
3%
2%
2%
1%
1%
2%
6%↑
1%↓
16%↑  0%↓
2%
6%
1%
2%
candidates
Date and time of
4%↑
2%↓
3%
4%
1%
4%
15%↑  1%↓  18%↑  1%↓
2%
3%
1%
1%
voting
Special/ advanced
2%
1%
2%
1%
2%
4%
0%
0%
0%
2%
1%
1%
3%
0%
voting
Explanation on MMP
2%
1%
1%
0%
3%
1%
1%
0%
2%
1%
2%
1%
1%
0%
Party lists
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
6%
0%
3%
0%
1%
3%
1%
0%
Information about
0%
1%
1%
3%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
3%
0%
1%
0%
0%
EasyVote
How to mark ballot
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
3%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
papers
Other
38%
42%
35%
40%
35%
41%
30%
32%
25%
24%
39%
46%
37%
35%
n =
1,115
822
269
114
196
99
156
122
162
108
181
185
154
42
The following people were more likely to want more information on the voting place location:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (13% versus 7% aged 30+)

The following people were more likely to want more information on party policies/ candidates:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (10% versus 4% for other age groups)

The following people were more likely to want more information on the referendums:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (5% versus 1% for other age groups)

The following people were more likely to want more information on the electorate candidates:
‒
Those who are disabled (6% versus 1% for non-disabled)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (3% versus 1% for non-European ethnicity)
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
32

Voting and Election Day behaviour
Did people place an ordinary or special vote?
[% Among those who voted]
Ninety one percent of voters surveyed said they cast an ordinary vote this election. This is consistent with the 2017
result.
Table 25: Type of vote placed

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Ordinary
93%
91%
76%
85%
91%
95%
85%
75%
93%
85%
91%
92%
Special
7%
9%
23%
14%
7%
5%
15%
25%
7%
13%
8%
7%
Not sure
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
n =
999
802
196
102
163
93
130
108
163
119
156
186
The following people were more likely to say they placed an ordinary vote:
‒
Those aged 50+ (95% versus 87% aged 18-49)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (92% versus 86% of non-European ethnicity)

The following people were less likely to place an ordinary vote:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (85% versus 92% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (75% versus 91% for non-Pasifika ethnicity)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (85% versus 91% for non-Asian ethnicity)

The following people were more likely to place a special vote:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (14% versus 7% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (25% versus 8% for non-Pasifika ethnicity)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (13% versus 8% for non-Asian ethnicity)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
33

Voting on or before Election Day
[% Among those who voted]
Three quarters (74%) of voters surveyed voted before Election Day. This is similar to actual advance voting in the 2020
General Election which was 68%. This rise in advance voting was driven by increases across all target groups.
Table 26: Voted on or before Election Day

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Voted on Election Day
54%↑
26%↓
48%↑
30%↓
43%↑
27%↓
54%↑
28%↓  48%↑  27%↓  51%↑  20%↓
Voted before Election Day
46%↓
74%↑
52%↓
70%↑
57%↓
73%↑
46%↓
70%↑
52%↓
73%↑
49%↓
80%↑
n =
998
809
196
104
163
91
130
109
162
119
156
185
The following people were more likely to vote on Election Day:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (30% versus 23% for other age groups)

The following people were more likely to vote before Election Day:
‒
Those aged 50+ (79% versus 69% aged 18-49)

Where people voted
[% Among those who voted]
Nearly all voters (97%) voted at a voting place or advance voting place. This is consistent with the 2017 result. Those
who are disabled were more likely to vote somewhere else (5% versus 2% for non-disabled).
Table 27: Where people voted

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Voting place (or advance voting place)  97%
97%
97%
97%
97%
95%
96%
98%
95%
97%
96%
95%
Somewhere else
2%
2%
3%
3%
3%
5%
4%
2%
4%
3%
3%
5%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
n =
1000
802
196
102
163
93
131
108
163
119
156
186

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
34

People who accompanied voters to the voting place
[% Among those who voted at a voting place]
Nearly half (47%) of those who voted at a voting place were accompanied by family members. This is significantly lower
than the 2017 General Election (47% versus 52%). Forty seven percent of those who voted went by themselves. This is
consistent with the result in 2017 (44%).
Table 28: People that accompanied voters to the voting place

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
With other family members
52%↑  47%↓  45%
47%
54%
53%
59%
59%
58%
50%
45%
49%
By myself
44%
47%
42%
43%
41%
43%
39%
38%
38%
45%
50%
45%
With other people (not family members)  5%
6%
16%
10%
6%
5%
4%
3%
4%
5%
7%
7%
n =
976
780
192
99
160
88
128
106
156
116
151
174
The following people were more likely to be accompanied by family members:
‒
Those who voted on Election Day (59% versus 43% for those who voted before Election Day)

The following people were more likely to vote with other people (excluding family members):

‒
Those aged 18-29 (10% versus 4% aged 30+)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
35

Voted at the same voting place as in 2017
[% Among those who voted in 2017]
One quarter (24%) of people who voted in 2020 voted at the same place in 2017. This is significantly lower than the 2017
result (41%). Three quarters of voters (73%) voted at a different place to where they voted in 2017, which is significantly
higher than the 2017 result.
Table 29: Voted at the same voting place

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
41%↑
24%↓
29%
15%
46%↑
15%↓
43%↑
19%↓
34%
21%
46%↑
25%↓
No
57%↓
73%↑
68%↓
85%↑
53%↓
82%↑
56%↓
79%↑
65%
75%
52%↓
73%↑
Not sure
2%
2%
3%
0%
1%
2%
0%
1%
2%
3%
2%
1%
n =
825
705
90
65
124
77
105
95
122
99
134
155
Those who voted on Election Day were more likely to have voted in the same place as they did last election (44%,
versus 18% for those who voted before Election Day), as well as those aged 50+ (28% versus 20% aged 18-49).
Those aged 18-29 were more likely to vote at a different place in 2020 as they did in 2017 (85% versus 72% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
36

Why people voted at a different voting place in 2020
[% Among those who voted at a different place in 2020]
The main reason for voting at a different voting place is that a different, more convenient place was available (53%). This
is consistent with the 2017 result (58%).
Table 30: Reasons for voting at a different voting place in 2020

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
A different voting place was more
58%
53%
52%
40%
66%
58%
46%
36%
45%
45%
61%
60%
convenient
I have moved since the last New
21%
24%
34%
44%
14%
25%
31%
36%
35%
35%
14%
21%
Zealand general election
The place I voted last time wasn’t  19%  17%  13%
5%
20%
16%
21%
8%
17%
7%
24%↑  12%↓
a voting place this time
Other reason
0%↓
7%↑
1%
6%
0%
9%
1%
5%
1%
8%
0%
9%
Not sure
5%↑
2%↓
3%
5%
6%
0%
2%
15%
4%
6%
3%
1%
n =
479
509
62
53
67
61
61
75
80
78
69
109
The following people were more likely to cite having moved since the last election:
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (35% versus 22% for non-Asian ethnicity)
‒
Those aged 18-29 (44% versus 20% aged 30+)
‒
Those who voted on Election Day (37% versus 21% for those who voted before Election Day)

The following people were more likely to have changed voting places due to another one being more convenient:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (57% versus 44% for non-European ethnicity)

The following people were more likely to have changed voting places due to the place they voted last time not being
a voting place in 2020:
‒
Those aged 50+ (22% versus 12% aged 18-49)
‒
Females (21% versus 13% for males)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
37

How people knew where to vote in 2020
[% Among those who voted]
The main information source (31%) about where to vote in 2020 was seeing it on signage. This is significantly higher
than in 2017 (23%). Getting information from the internet (28%), seeing it while walking or driving (24%) and from local
newspapers (14%) were also significantly higher than the 2017 result.
Voters were significantly less likely to get information from the mail compared to the 2017 General Election (3% versus
39% in 2017). It is worth noting that voting place information was not included in EasyVote packs, which was a change
from previous elections.
Table 31: Source of information about voting place location*

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020
Signs/signage
23%↓  31%↑  23%  29%  22%  22%  18%↓  38%↑  20%  18%  24%  30%
From the website / internet
12%↓  28%↑  21%↓  36%↑  11%↓  41%↑  9%↓  23%↑  18%  27%  6%↓  21%↑
Was driving/walking/going past and saw it
16%↓  24%↑  17%↓  29%↑  12%  15%  46%  35%  29%↓  44%↑  15%  17%
From information in the local newspapers
7%↓  14%↑  2%
0%
8%
16%
7%
5%
4%
3%
8%↓  20%↑
Family/friends/workmates, etc. told me there
18%↑  14%↓  26%  21%  18%  14%  39%↑  10%↓  30%  20%  14%  11%
I've voted there in the past
17%↑  11%↓  10%↑  3%↓  17%↑  6%↓  26%↑  4%↓  18%↑  7%↓  13%  10%
Read about it in something I received in the mail  39%↑  3%↓  31%↑  3%↓  34%↑  2%↓  51%↑  5%↓  52%↑  3%↓  38%↑  6%↓
From advertising (in general)
4%
3%
4%
0%
5%
4%
1%
2%
3%
1%
7%↑  2%↓
Expected to find it at the school
6%↑  2%↓
5%
4%
6%
5%
3%
2%
0%
0%
8%↑  3%↓
Information from the local electorate
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
Information from the Citizens Advice Bureau
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
Was working at the elections/voting place
2%
1%
1%
1%
3%
4%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
Information from the Council Offices
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
Another way
2%↓  9%↑
2%
8%
2%↓  13%↑  3%
3%
1%↓  7%↑  1%↓  14%↑
No other way
53%↑  47%↓  58%  47%  57%  55%  29%  19%  36%  29%  58%  52%
Not sure
3%↑  1%↓
0%
1%
3%
1%
1%
3%
2%
1%
5%↑  1%↓
n =
976
761
192
96
160
88
128
95
156
108
151
173
* Note: Only responses greater than 1% shown for purposes of clarity
The following people were more likely to know where to vote via signs/signage:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (34% versus 22% for non-European ethnicity)

The following people were more likely to know where to vote via website/internet:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (36% versus 26% aged 30+)
‒
Those aged 30-49 (34% versus 25% for other age groups)
‒
Those of Māori ethnicity (41% versus 27% for non-Māori)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
38

The following types of people were more likely to know where to vote via driving/ walking/ going past a voting place:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (29% versus 22% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (44% versus 20% for non-Asian ethnicity)

The following people were more likely to know where to vote via local newspaper:
‒
Those aged 50+ (27% versus 4% aged 18-49)
‒
Those who are disabled (20% versus 13% for non-disabled)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (18% versus 5% for non-European ethnicity)
‒
Females (17% versus 12% for males)

The following people were more likely to know where to vote via friends and family:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (21% versus 12% aged 30+)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
39

Polling place behaviour and satisfaction
The time of day when people voted
[% Among those who voted]
42% of voting occurred before 12pm. 42% of voting also took place between 12pm and 2pm, with a peak occurring
between 12:00pm and 12:59pm. Voters were less likely to vote later in the day, with 14% voting after 3:00pm.
Table 32: Time of day when voted

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
9.00am – 9.59am
8%
9%
4%
3%
8%
5%
10%
9%
11%
12%
8%
7%
10.00am – 10.59am  15%
16%
8%
12%
15%
18%
20%
12%
14%
10%
12%
18%
11.00am – 11.59am  20%
17%
19%
11%
16%
14%
11%
15%
20%
19%
20%
15%
12.00pm – 12.59pm  14%↓
18%↑
19%↓
30%↑
23%
29%
21%
18%
12%
18%
14%
19%
1.00pm – 1.59pm
10%
11%
13%
15%
14%
8%
8%
14%
3%
7%
9%
15%
2.00pm – 2.59pm
9%↓
13%↑
8%
11%
6%
13%
8%
11%
12%
15%
13%
14%
3.00pm – 3.59pm
9%
6%
8%
8%
8%
3%
10%
8%
10%↑
3%↓
8%
5%
4.00pm – 4.59pm
6%
4%
9%
5%
3%
4%
5%
9%
6%
5%
6%
2%
5.00pm – 5.59pm
5%↑
2%↓
4%
1%
3%
3%
4%
0%
5%
5%
6%↑
1%↓
6.00pm or later
2%
2%
4%
2%
3%
3%
1%
3%
4%
3%
2%
1%
Not sure
2%
2%
3%
0%
2%
1%
1%
0%
2%
3%
2%
3%
Rather not say
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
There was little difference in when different groups voted, with the exception that those aged 18-29 were more likely to
have voted between 12:00pm – 12:59pm (30% versus 15% aged 30+), whereas those aged 30-49 were more likely to
have voted before 10:00am (16% versus 6% for other age groups). Māori were also more likely to vote between 12:00pm
– 12:59pm (29% versus 17% for non-Māori).
Those who voted on Election Day were more likely to vote between 9:00am – 9.59am (17% versus 7% for those who
voted before Election Day). Those who voted before Election Day were more likely to vote between 11:00am – 11:59am
(19% versus 11% for those who voted on Election Day) and 2:00pm – 2:59pm (14% versus 8% for those who voted on
Election Day).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
40

Incidence of people having to queue before voting
[% Among those who voted]
Less than one quarter of people (22%) who voted said that they had to queue before voting. This is significantly lower
than the 2017 result (31%).
Table 33: Incidence of people having to queue before voting

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
31%↑
22%↓
40%↑
22%↓
31%
20%
28%
21%
34%↑
17%↓
27%
21%
No
69%↓
78%↑
60%↓
78%↑
69%
80%
72%
79%
66%↓
83%↑
73%
79%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
There were no significant differences between groups by incidence of having to queue.

Items taken to the voting place
[% Among those who voted]
Eighty two percent of those who voted took along their EasyVote card which is consistent with the 2017 result (80%).
Sixteen percent did not take along anything and the small remainder of people took along a letter from the Electoral
Commission (3%).
Table 34: Items taken to the voting place

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020  2017  2020
Your EasyVote card
80%
82%
74%
70%
76%
84%
72%
57%
84%
78%
78%
81%
A voting slip from the Electoral Commission  3%
3%
2%
4%
5%
3%
10%↑  1%↓
6%
5%
5%
4%
None of the above
19%
16%
25%
26%
23%
16%  23%↓  43%↑  13%
17%
20%
17%
n =
976
782
192
99
160
88
128
107
156
117
151
174
Those aged 50+ were more likely to take along their EasyVote card (87% versus 78% aged 18-49) as well as those of
European ethnicity (85% versus 74% for non-European ethnicity).
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were less likely to take along their EasyVote card (57% versus 84% for non-Pasifika ethnicity)
as well as those aged 18-29 (70% versus 85% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
41

Length of time taken to vote
[% Among those who voted]
Nearly half (48%) of those who voted took less than 5 minutes to vote. This is significantly lower than in 2017 (59%). The
majority of the remainder (33%) took between 5 and 10 minutes to vote.
Table 35: Length of time taken to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Up to 5 minutes
59%↑
48%↓
48%
47%
58%
47%
65%
48%
55%
54%
56%
54%
5-10 minutes
27%↓
33%↑
27%
30%
28%
30%
24%
37%
31%
28%
32%
29%
11-15 minutes
7%↓
11%↑
11%
12%
5%↓
15%↑
6%
10%
8%
13%
4%↓
11%↑
16-20 minutes
4%
3%
6%
8%
4%
1%
3%
2%
4%
3%
2%
4%
21-25 minutes
0%↓
1%↑
2%
1%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
26-30 minutes
1%
2%
3%
3%
1%
5%
0%
4%
1%
2%
3%↑
0%↓
More than 30 minutes
1%
1%
3%
0%
2%
0%
2%
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
n =
975
782
191
99
160
88
128
107
155
117
151
174
There was little difference in length of time taken to vote, with the exception of those aged 18-29 who were more likely to
say that the process of voting took between 16-20 minutes (8% versus 2% aged 30+).
There were no significant differences between the length of time taken to vote by those who voted on Election Day and
those who voted before Election Day.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
42

Satisfaction with the length of time taken to vote
[% Among those who voted]
The vast majority (98%) of those who voted said that they were satisfied with the amount of time it took to vote and that it
was a reasonable amount of time, given what they had to do. This was consistent with the 2017 General Election (96%).
Only two percent said the voting process took too long which is significantly lower than the 2017 result (3%).
Table 36: Satisfaction with the length of time taken to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
A reasonable amount of time
96%
98%
93%
96%
96%
96%
94%
95%
96%
99%
97%
98%
given what you had to do
Too long
3%↑
2%↓
6%
3%
3%
0%
6%
5%
3%
1%
3%
2%
Not sure
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
4%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
n =
975
781
192
98
159
88
128
106
156
117
150
174
The level of satisfaction with the amount of time it took to vote was fairly consistent across different groups, with the
exception of those aged 18-29 who were less likely to say they were satisfied with the amount of time it took to vote (96%
versus 98% aged 30+) and those who voted on Election Day (96% versus 99% for those who voted before Election
Day).
Those who thought voting took a reasonable amount of time had higher levels of satisfaction with the overall voting
process (71% rated excellent versus 23%* who thought voting took too long).
*Small sample (n=13) data is indicative only.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
43

Satisfaction with the convenience of the voting location
[% Among those who voted]
Satisfaction with the convenience of the voting location was very high, with almost all (98%) rating it 4 or 5 out of 5, and
most of these rating it as excellent (85%). Overall and across most groups, the convenience of voting locations was rated
consistently with the 2017 General Election.
Table 37: Satisfaction with the convenience of the voting location

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
87%
85%
78%
79%
87%
83%
83%
75%
80%
82%
85%
86%
4
11%
13%
16%
20%
8%
16%
12%
20%
16%
16%
12%
12%
3
2%
1%
4%
1%
4%
2%
4%
4%
4%
1%
3%
1%
2
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
1%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Although over four out of five (85%) of people rated the convenience of the location of the voting place excellent, the
following people were less likely to rate the convenience of the location as excellent:
‒
Those aged 18-29 (79% versus 86% aged 30+)
‒
Those of Pasifika ethnicity (75% versus 86% non-Pasifika)

The following people were more likely to rate the convenience of the location as excellent:
‒
Those of European ethnicity (88% versus 78% for non-European ethnicity)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
44

Satisfaction with how identifiable the voting place was
[% Among those who voted]
Nearly four in five voters (79%) rated the voting place as identifiable, with very few voters thinking it was poorly
identifiable.
Table 38: Satisfaction with how identifiable the voting place was

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
78%
79%
69%
73%
79%
78%
81%
72%
74%
78%
75%
76%
4
16%
13%
20%
16%
12%
15%
14%
22%
16%
17%
17%
13%
3
4%
5%
8%
8%
5%
3%
4%
2%
10%↑
3%↓
5%
6%
2
1%
2%
1%
1%
1%
3%
1%
3%
0%
3%
0%
2%
1 - Poor
1%
1%
2%
2%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3%
3%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Satisfaction with the ability to identify voting places is consistent across all groups of voters with the exception of those
aged 18-29 who were less likely to rate their satisfaction with how identifiable the voting place was as excellent (73%
versus 81% aged 30+).
Those aged 50+ reported the highest levels of satisfaction (i.e. rating 5 out of 5) with the voting location (83% versus
76% aged 18-49) and those of European ethnicity also rated it highly (81% versus 74% for non-European).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
45

Satisfaction with having easy to find voting screens
[% Among those who voted]
The majority of voters (81%) rated the ease of finding the voting screens at voting places as excellent (5 out of 5). No
voters found the ease of finding the voting screens to be poor.
Please note, in 2017 the wording of this question rated the ease of finding voting booths.
Table 39: Satisfaction with having easy to find voting screens

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
84%
81%
73%
77%
83%
79%
84%
69%
77%
84%
83%
82%
4
13%
11%
23%
14%
14%
8%
13%
26%
21%↑
11%↓
13%
9%
3
2%
3%
3%
6%
3%
5%
2%
3%
1%
2%
2%
2%
2
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of European ethnicity reported the highest levels of satisfaction (i.e. rating 5 out of 5) with the ease of finding
voting screens (83% versus 77% for non-European).
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were less likely to rate the satisfaction of having easy to find voting screens as excellent (69%
versus 82% for those of non-Pasifika ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
46

Satisfaction with having easy to find ballot boxes
[% Among those who voted]
The majority of voters (85%) rated the ease of finding the ballot box to put their voting papers in as excellent, with very
few rating this aspect poorly.
Please note, in 2017 the wording of this question rated the ease of finding paper deposit boxes.
Table 40: Satisfaction with having easy to find paper ballot boxes

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
82%
85%
70%↓
82%↑
81%
82%
81%
72%
76%↓
87%↑
77%↓
86%↑
4
13%
12%
21%↑
9%↓
10%
18%
14%
27%
20%↑
11%↓
16%
10%
3
2%
2%
5%
4%
6%
0%
2%
0%
2%
2%
4%
2%
2
1%
1%
2%
2%
2%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
2%
2%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of European ethnicity were more likely to rate the ease of finding the ballot boxes excellent (87% versus 81% for
non-European) along with females (88% versus 83% for males).
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were less likely to rate the ease of finding the paper ballot boxes excellent (72% versus 86%
for those of non-Pasifika ethnicity).
Compared to 2017, the following people were more likely to rate the ease of finding the paper ballot boxes excellent:
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (87% versus 76% in 2017)
‒
Those who are disabled (86% versus 77% in 2017)
‒
Those who are female (88% versus 81% in 2017)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
47

Overall satisfaction with the ease of placing your vote
[% Among those who voted]
The majority of voters (88%) rated the overall process of placing their vote excellent, with very few rating the overall
aspect poorly.
Table 41: Overall satisfaction with the ease of placing your vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
88%
88%
81%
85%
88%
93%
86%
75%
80%↓
91%↑
88%
89%
4
10%
11%
15%
12%
10%
7%
11%
22%
15%
8%
11%
8%
3
1%
0%
4%
0%
2%
0%
2%
1%
4%
1%
1%
1%
2
0%
1%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
2%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were less likely to rate the overall ease of placing their vote as excellent (75% versus 89% for
those of non-Pasifika ethnicity).
Compared to 2017, those of Asian ethnicity reported a significant increase in satisfaction (rated as 5 out of 5) of ease of
placing their vote (91% versus 80% for 2017).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
48

Satisfaction with the voting papers having clear instructions
[% Among those who voted]
More than four in five voters (83%) rated the voting papers excellent on having clear instructions, with very few rating this
aspect poorly.
Table 42: Satisfaction with the voting papers having clear instructions

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent – 5
81%
83%
74%
74%
79%
83%
80%
80%
72%
70%
76%
84%
4
15%
15%
21%
21%
16%
15%
13%
19%
22%
28%
18%
12%
3
3%↑
1%↓
4%
1%
2%
0%
6%↑
1%↓
5%
1%
2%
1%
2
0%
1%
0%
3%
0%
2%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
3%
Poor – 1
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
n =
1,000
797
198
100
163
91
135
108
165
119
155
185
Those of European ethnicity were more likely to rate the clarity of the voting paper instructions as excellent (86% versus
74% for non-European ethnicity) along with females (86% versus 79% for males).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate the clarity of the voting paper instructions as excellent (74% versus 85% aged
30+). Voters of Asian ethnicity were less likely to rate the clarity of the voting paper instructions as excellent (70% versus
85% for non-Asian ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
49

Satisfaction with the ease of finding the name of the person or party
[% Among those who voted]
The majority of voters (80%) said the voting papers were excellent for easily finding the person or party they wanted to
vote for, with very few rating this as poor.
Table 43: Satisfaction with the ease of finding the name of the person or party

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent – 5
84%↑
80%↓
81%
75%
85%
75%
81%
76%
79%
71%
80%
77%
4
12%↓
17%↑
14%
21%
12%
19%
16%
22%
16%
25%
15%
19%
3
3%
1%
4%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
3%
2%
3%
1%
2
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%↓
5%↑
0%
0%
2%
0%
1%
1%
Poor – 1
0%
1%
0%
3%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
2%
0%
2%
n =
1,000
797
198
100
163
91
135
108
165
119
155
185
Those of European ethnicity were more likely to rate the ease of finding the name of the person or party as excellent
(83% versus 73% for non-European ethnicity) along with females (84% versus 76% for males).
Voters of Asian ethnicity were less likely to rate the ease of finding the name of the person or party as excellent (71%
versus 82% for non-Asian ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
50

Satisfaction with the privacy of the voting screen
[% Among those who voted]
Three quarters (74%) of all voters said that the privacy of the voting screens was excellent, with very few voters rating it
as poor.
Please note, in 2017 the wording of this question rated the privacy of the voting booth.
Table 44: Satisfaction with the privacy of the voting screen

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent – 5
69%↓
74%↑
57%
61%
71%
68%
65%
73%
59%↓
75%↑
65%
73%
4
22%
19%
31%
25%
18%
21%
23%
26%
29%
19%
26%
18%
3
7%
5%
8%
9%
8%
7%
9%↑
1%↓
10%
5%
6%
5%
2
1%
1%
2%
3%
2%
5%
3%
1%
0%
0%
1%
3%
Poor – 1
1%
0%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
n =
978
788
194
99
161
90
131
107
159
118
150
179
Those aged 50+ were more likely to say the privacy of the voting screens was excellent (82% versus 69% aged 18-49),
along with females (79% versus 70% for males).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to say the privacy of the voting screens was excellent (61% versus 78% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
51

Satisfaction with the layout of the general election ballot paper
[% Among those who voted]
Three out of four voters (73%) rated the layout of the ballot paper as excellent. This was consistent with the 2017 result.
Table 45: Satisfaction with the layout of the ballot paper

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Excellent – 5
75%
73%
69%
69%
77%↑
64%↓
77%
71%
71%
71%
69%
73%
4
18%
20%
25%
24%
16%
26%
17%
27%
18%
25%
23%
19%
3
5%
5%
3%
7%
6%
7%
4%
1%
7%
3%
5%
6%
2
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
0%
1%
0%
Poor – 1
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
n =
1,000
797
198
100
163
91
135
108
165
119
155
185
Female voters were more likely to say the layout of the ballot paper was excellent (78% versus 68% for males).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
52

Overall satisfaction with the ballot paper
[% Among those who voted]
Nearly three quarters (72%) of all voters said that the ballot paper was excellent. This is significantly lower than the 2017
result (72% versus 77% in 2017) however the proportion of voters rating the ballot paper a 4 or 5 out of 5 is consistent
with 2017 (96% in 2020 versus 94% in 2017).
Table 46: Overall satisfaction with the ballot paper

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
77%↑
72%↓
74%↑
62%↓
76%↑
62%↓
77%
73%
69%
69%
74%
68%
4
17%↓
24%↑
19%↓
35%↑
17%↓
33%↑
18%
24%
24%
27%
18%
25%
3
4%
3%
5%
3%
6%
5%
4%
1%
4%
3%
5%
5%
2
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
n =
1000
797
196
100
163
91
131
108
163
119
156
185
Those aged 50+ were more likely to rate the ballot paper overall as excellent (5 out of 5) (77% versus 88% aged 18-49),
along with females (77% versus 68% males).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate the ballot paper overall as excellent (5 out of 5) (62% versus 75% aged 30+),
along with Māori (62% versus 73% non-Māori).
Compared to 2017, the following people were less likely to rate the ballot paper overall as excellent:
‒
Those of Māori ethnicity (62% versus 76% in 2017)
‒
Those aged 18-29 (62% versus 74% in 2017
‒
Those who are male (68% versus 76% in 2017)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
53

Rating of voting place staff being pleasant and polite
[% Among those who voted]
A majority (85%) of those who voted rated the staff as excellent on being pleasant and polite, with very few rating them
poorly in this regard. This was consistent with the 2017 General Election.
Table 47: Rating of voting place staff being pleasant and polite

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
87%
85%
83%
79%
88%
78%
88%
79%
78%
84%
88%
88%
4
9%
12%
15%
17%
9%
18%
6%↓
18%↑
18%
16%
6%
8%
3
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
3%
5%
0%
3%
1%
5%
3%
2
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1 - Poor
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of European ethnicity were more likely to rate staff pleasantness and politeness as excellent (88% versus 79% for
those of non-European ethnicity).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate staff pleasantness and politeness as excellent (79% versus 87% aged 30+)
along with those of Māori ethnicity (78% versus 86% for those of non-Māori ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
54

Rating of voting place staff’s ability to answer questions
[% Among those who voted]
The majority of voters (71%) who asked questions rated the voting place staff’s ability to answer these as excellent. This
is significantly higher than in 2017.
Table 48: Rating of voting place staff’s ability to answer questions

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
65%↓
71%↑
65%
76%
69%
65%
79%
72%
68%↓
80%↑
63%
68%
4
9%
10%
13%
12%
9%↓
19%↑
8%
22%
17%
14%
10%
9%
3
3%
4%
3%
7%
5%
1%
5%
2%
4%
1%
3%
4%
2
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
2%
1 - Poor
1%
0%
2%
0%
1%
0%
0%
2%
1%
1%
1%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of Asian ethnicity were more likely to rate the voting place staff’s ability to answer questions as excellent (80%
versus 70% for those of non-Asian ethnicity).
Compared to 2017, the following people were more likely to rate staff’s ability to answer questions as excellent:
‒
Those aged 30-49 (73% versus 62% in 2017)
‒
Those of European ethnicity (70% versus 62% in 2017)
‒
Those of Asian ethnicity (80% versus 68% in 2017)
‒
Females (73% versus 65% in 2017)

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
55

Rating of the efficiency of voting place staff
[% Among those who voted]
Four out of five voters (79%) rated the staff as being excellent on their efficiency. This is consistent with the staff
efficiency rating for the 2017 General Election (81%).
Table 49: Rating of the efficiency of voting place staff

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
81%
79%
75%
67%
86%↑
72%↓
81%
77%
75%
80%
83%
82%
4
15%
17%
19%
24%
9%↓
23%↑
13%
18%
19%
19%
14%
14%
3
2%
3%
3%
6%
5%
3%
4%
2%
4%
0%
2%
2%
2
1%
1%
2%
2%
0%
1%
3%
1%
0%
0%
1%
2%
1 - Poor
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
1%
1%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those of European ethnicity were more likely to rate the staff as being excellent on their efficiency (85% versus 74% for
those of non-European ethnicity).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate the staff as being excellent on their efficiency (67% versus 82% aged 30+)
along with those who voted on Election Day (73% versus 81% for those who voted before Election Day).
Compared to 2017, those of Māori ethnicity were less likely to rate the staff as being excellent on their efficiency (72%
versus 86% in 2017) along with males (77% versus 82% in 2017).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
56

Rating of how comfortable and welcome voters felt
[% Among those who voted]
In the 2020 General Election a new statement was added rating how comfortable and welcome voters felt in voting
places. The large majority of voters (80%) rated comfort and the welcome from staff as excellent, with very few rating
them poorly.
Table 50: Rating of how comfortable and welcome voters felt

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
-
80%
-
74%
-
73%
-
73%
-
85%
-
81%
4
-
17%
-
24%
-
21%
-
23%
-
13%
-
16%
3
-
2%
-
1%
-
6%
-
2%
-
0%
-
2%
2
-
1%
-
1%
-
0%
-
0%
-
2%
-
0%
1 - Poor
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
3%
-
1%
-
0%
n =
-
782
-
99
-
88
-
107
-
117
-
174
Those aged 50+ were more likely to rate comfort and feeling welcome as excellent (84% versus 77% aged 18-49) along
with females (83% versus 77% for males).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate comfort and welcomeness as excellent (74% versus 82% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
57

Overall rating of the voting place staff
[% Among those who voted]
Most voters (83%) said their overall impression of staff was excellent, with ’poor’ ratings only given by 1% of Pasifika and
Asian voters. This is consistent with the 2017 General Election.
Table 51: Overall rating of the voting place staff

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
84%
83%
78%
74%
84%
79%
87%
76%
76%
82%
84%
85%
4
12%
14%
18%
24%
12%
18%
8%
21%
20%
17%
12%
12%
3
2%
2%
2%
2%
3%
2%
2%
1%
3%
1%
3%
2%
2
1%
0%
1%
0%
1%
1%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
n =
978
782
192
99
160
88
129
107
157
117
151
174
Those aged 50+ were more likely to rate overall impressions of staff as excellent (86% versus 81% aged 18-49) along
with females (87% versus males 79%) and those of European ethnicity (85% versus 79% for non-European ethnicity).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate overall impressions of staff as excellent (74% versus 86% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
58

Overall rating of the voting process
[% Among those who voted]
Two thirds (69%) of those who voted rated the overall voting process as excellent, with very few rating the process
poorly. This is consistent with the 2017 General Election.
Table 52: Overall rating of the voting process

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 - Excellent
71%
69%
61%
62%
75%
62%
76%
84%
65%
71%
69%
66%
4
23%
26%
27%
33%
13%↓
33%↑
19%
12%
26%
27%
23%
28%
3
4%
3%
11%↑
3%↓
8%
4%
3%
4%
7%↑
1%↓
7%
3%
2
1%
1%
1%
2%
3%
0%
2%
0%
2%
1%
1%
2%
1 - Poor
0%
0%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
n =
1000
802
196
102
163
93
131
108
163
119
156
186
Those aged 50+ were more likely to rate the overall voting process as excellent (75% versus 65% for those aged 18-49)
along with those of Pasifika ethnicity (84% versus 68% for non-Pasifika) and females (73% versus 65% for males).
Those aged 18-29 were less likely to rate the overall voting process as excellent (62% versus 71% aged 30+).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
59

Incidence of encountering an issue when voting
[% Among those who voted]
Almost all (94%) of those who voted did not encounter any issue while voting. This is consistent with the 2017 General
Election.
Table 53: Incidence of encountering an issue when voting

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
No issue while voting
95%
94%
96%
95%
91%
94%
97%
96%
99%
97%
95%
93%
Yes, had an issue while
5%
5%
4%
5%
7%
5%
3%
4%
0%
2%
3%
6%
voting
n =
999
801
196
102
163
93
130
108
163
118
156
186
Those aged 30-49 were more likely to encounter an issue when voting (9% versus 4% for other age groups).
Those aged 50+ were less likely to encounter an issue when voting (3% versus 7% aged 18-49).
While there was a low incidence of encountering an issue, the main issue encountered was needing ‘more information
about how to vote’ (13%, n=33).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
60

Impact of the referendums and COVID-19
Very few voters (4%) said they only voted in the General Election because of the referendums.
Table 54: Referendum voting impact*
[% Among those who voted in the general election and the referendum]

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
-
4%
-
8%
-
5%
-
10%
-
12%
-
6%
No
-
96%
-
92%
-
94%
-
88%
-
87%
-
93%
Not sure
-
0%
-
0%
-
0%
-
1%
-
1%
-
1%
n =
-
830
-
98
-
117
-
114
-
119
-
189
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were more likely to say they voted in the General Election because of the referendums (10%
versus 4% for non-Pasifika), along with those of Asian ethnicity (12% versus 3% for non-Asian) and those who voted on
Election Day (7% versus 3% for those who voted before Election Day).
Those aged 50+ were less likely to say they voted in the General Election because of the referendums (2% versus 6%
aged 18-49), along with those of European ethnicity (1% versus 11% for non-European).
*Question not asked in 2017. Question Text: Did you vote this election only because of the referendums?

Before the General Election*, most voters (84%) said that COVID-19 made no difference to their intention to vote in the
General Election.
Table 55: COVID-19 voting impact*
[% Among Eligible voters]

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Makes me more likely to
-
15%
-
17%
-
19%
-
29%
-
18%
vote
Makes no difference to my
-
84%
-
81%
-
80%
-
70%
-
79%
intentions
Makes me much less likely
-
1%
-
3%
-
1%
-
1%
-
3%
to vote
n =
-
786
-
172
-
97
-
93
-
196
Those of Pasifika ethnicity were more likely to say that COVID-19 made them more likely to vote in the General Election
(29% versus 14% for non-Pasifika).
Those aged 18-29 were more likely to say that COVID-19 made them less likely to vote in the General Election (3%
versus 1% aged 30+), along with those of Asian ethnicity (3% versus 1% for non-Asian).
*Question not asked in 2017. Source: Electoral Commission Quantitative Pre-Election survey October 2020.
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
61

Non-voter behaviour and reasons for not voting
Possibility of voting in the 2020 NZ General Election
[% did not vote in 2020 election]
Over two thirds (70%) of people who did not vote in the 2020 General Election said that they had initially considered
doing so. This is significantly higher than the 2017 result (50%) but consistent with the result for the 2014 General
Election (70%).
Table 56: Possibility of voting in the NZ General Election

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Yes
53%↓
70%↑
55%↓
74%↑
46%↓
85%↑
57%
63%
69%
72%
57%↓
78%↑
No
40%↑
23%↓
37%↑
15%↓
50%↑
5%↓
25%
29%
15%
16%
40%↑
17%↓
Not sure
7%
7%
8%
11%
4%
10%
18%
8%
15%
12%
2%
5%
n =
166
162
89
51
33
34
50
30
23
32
28
36
Those of Māori ethnicity were more likely to have considered doing so (85% versus 66% for non-Māori).
Those aged 50+ who didn’t vote were more likely to have not considered doing so (41% versus 20% aged 18-49).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
62

When non-voters decided not to vote
[% did not vote in 2020 election].
One third (34%) of non-voters made the decision not to vote on Election Day itself. Almost a fifth (19%) decided up to a
week before. Results are consistent with 2017 with the exception that the number of people deciding not to vote more
than a month before the election decreased significantly during the 2020 Election (24% versus 38% for the 2017 General
Election).
Table 57: When non-voters decided not to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
On Election Day
29%
34%
28%
40%
13%↓  49%↑
29%
42%
27%
40%
36%
33%
One week before Election Day  18%
19%
18%
26%
21%
24%
36%
15%
31%
18%
13%
18%
Two weeks before
3%↓
7%↑
5%
10%
4%
10%
2%
6%
11%
4%
0%
12%
About a month before
6%
9%
6%
3%
18%
5%
2%
0%
0%
10%
6%
13%
More than a month before
38%↑
24%↓  31%↑  17%↓  38%↑
6%↓
20%
29%
10%
23%
42%↑  19%↓
Not sure
7%
6%
11%
4%
6%
6%
11%
9%
21%
5%
3%
6%
n =
165
162
88
51
33
34
50
30
22
32
28
36
Māori non-voters were more likely to have made the decision not to vote on Election Day (49% versus 30% for non-Māori
ethnicity), along with females (42% versus 24% for Males).
Those aged 50+ were more likely to have decided not to vote more than a month before Election Day (41% versus 21%
aged 18-49).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
63

Amount of effort invested in decision not to vote
[% did not vote in 2020 election].
Non-voters were asked how much effort they put into deciding whether or not to vote. About a third (31%) said they put a
lot of thought into the decision, a third (38%) put in some thought, and another third (31%) no thought at all. This is
consistent with the 2017 General Election.
Table 58: Amount of effort invested in decision not to vote

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
Put a lot of thought into deciding
29%
31%
17%
18%
31%
51%
28%
32%
33%
15%
32%
39%
whether or not to vote
Put just a little thought into it
38%
38%
44%
46%
28%
31%
35%
34%
47%
45%
38%
38%
Didn’t think about it at all
33%
31%
39%
37%
41%↑  18%↓
38%
34%
20%↓
41%↑
30%
23%
n =
165
162
90
51
33
34
51
30
21
32
28
36
Non-voters aged 50+ were more likely to have put a lot of thought into the decision (49% versus 28% of those aged 18-
49) along with those of Māori ethnicity (51% versus 26% for those of non-Māori ethnicity).
18-29 year old non-voters were less likely to have put a lot of thought into the decision (18% versus 41% aged 30+)
along with those of Asian ethnicity (15% versus 35% for those of non-Asian ethnicity).

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
64

Reasons for not voting
[% did not vote in 2020 election].
Non-voters were asked the main reason why they didn’t vote in the 2020 election, and then what other reasons if any
that they had. Non-voters were not prompted for reasons but the interviewers had a pre-code list available to code
responses to, as well as an opportunity to record verbatim other reasons not on the pre-code list.
In Table 59 on page 66, the main and total reasons are listed, and compared to 2017 where applicable. Some reasons
changed between 2017 and 2020 so not all reasons were comparable. For easier analysis, reasons have been grouped
into high-level codes.
The biggest reason for not voting in 2020 was due to self-stated personal barriers such as personal (11%) or work
(5%) commitments or religious reasons not to vote (8%). These reasons were 28% of all the ‘main’ reasons for not voting
and 35% for the total reasons for not voting. This is significantly higher than 2017 (35% versus 20% in 2017).
-
Those of Māori ethnicity were more likely to say they had work commitments (13% versus 3% for non-Māori
ethnicity).
-
Those aged 50+ were more likely to say they had religious reasons for not voting (18% versus 6% aged 18-49)
along with those who are disabled (16% versus 6% for non-disabled) and females (12% versus 2% for males).
-
Those aged 30-49 were more likely to say that they had health reasons for not voting (7% versus 0% for other
ages groups).
-
Those of Asian ethnicity were more likely to say they had personal commitments (22% versus 9% for non-Asian
ethnicity)
The second main category for not voting was not knowing who to vote for at 22% of all main reasons given, which is
consistent with 2017 (18%). This was a function of not knowing who to vote for (17%), not being able to work out who to
vote for (5%), and not knowing the candidates (1%).
Voting process barriers accounted for 7% of main reasons for not voting. This is consistent with the 2017 result. This
result was driven by people not being enrolled (4%) or not knowing where to vote (2%).
-
Those aged 18-29 were more likely to say that they weren’t enrolled (8% versus 1% aged 30+) or that they
forgot (8% versus 1% aged 30+).
The amount of stated access barriers to not voting decreased compared to 2017 (2% main reasons 2020 compared to
7% in 2017).
There were also many non-voters who gave other reasons for not voting. Of these, most comments were related to non-
voters feeling the election result was foregone or inevitable so their vote wouldn’t make a difference.

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
65

Table 59: Main and total reasons for not voting*

Main reason
Total reasons

2017
2020
2017
2020
Didn’t know who to vote for
18%
22%
20%
25%
Didn’t know who to vote for
-
17%
-
20%
Couldn’t work out who to vote for
17%↑
5%↓
17%↑
6%↓
Didn't know the candidates
1%
0%
1%
0%
Voting process
9%
7%
9%
13%
Wasn't enrolled
7%
4%
7%
5%
Didn't know where to vote
0%
2%
1%
3%
Didn't get to the voting place on time
4%
1%
4%
4%
Didn't know how to vote
2%
0%
2%
0%
Didn't know when to vote
0%
0%
0%
0%
Couldn’t work out how to vote in the referendums
-
0%
-
1%
Personal barrier
19%
28%
20%↓
35%↑
Had personal commitments
7%
11%
9%
16%
Religious reasons not to vote
11%
8%
12%
9%
Had work commitments
7%
5%
7%
7%
Health reasons
1%
3%
2%
5%
Disability
0%
0%
0%
0%
Practical access barrier
7%↑
2%↓
9%↑
2%↓
Voting place too far away/ no transport
1%
0%
1%
1%
Away from home but still in New Zealand
1%
1%
1%
1%
Religious day (i.e., Sabbath, Holy Day)
0%
1%
0%
1%
Overseas at the time
5%↑
0%↓
7%↑
0%↓
Other
22%
25%
37%
34%
Don’t believe in voting / couldn’t be bothered
11%
11%
14%
13%
I forgot
3%
4%
3%
5%
Covid-19
-
0%
-
1%
Wasn't aware of election
-
0%
-
0%
Bad weather on voting day
-
0%
-
0%
No particular reason
1%
2%
1%
2%
Not sure
5%↑
0%↓
6%
8%
n =
165
162
165
162
Notes:
* Main reason is single response; total reasons include main plus any other reason(s) given for not voting

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
66

Confidence in fair and impartial elections
Electoral Commission conducts parliamentary elections fairly
Over half (59%) of eligible voters have total confidence that the Electoral Commission conducts parliamentary elections
fairly. Most voters (87%) rated this a 4 or a 5 out of 5 for having total confidence which is significantly higher than 2017
(87% versus 78% in 2017).
Table 60: Confidence that the Electoral Commission conducts elections fairly

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 – Total confidence  57%
59%
35%
49%↑
45%
53%
41%
44%
52%
49%
49%
63%↑
4
21%
28%↑
24%
33%
21%
29%
17%
33%↑
20%
36%↑
22%
23%
3
17%
10%↓
30%
14%↓
25%
13%↓
34%
17%↓
24%
13%↓
21%
7%↓
2
4%
2%↓
7%
4%
6%
5%
4%
2%
3%
1%
4%
5%
1 – No confidence
2%
1%
4%
1%↓
4%
0%↓
4%
3%
0%
1%
3%
2%
n =
1165
976
284
152
196
134
180
146
186
149
184
228
Youth (49% versus 62% for those aged 30+), Asian (49% versus 60% for non-Asian) and Pasifika (44% versus 60% for
non-Pasifika) were less likely to have total confidence (5 out of 5) in 2020.
Those of European descent were more likely to have total confidence (5 out of 5) (64% versus 47% for non-European).

Electoral Commission conducts parliamentary elections impartially
Over half (59%) of eligible voters have total confidence that the Electoral Commission conducts parliamentary elections
impartially. Most voters (85%) rated this a 4 or a 5 out of 5 for having total confidence which is significantly higher than
2017 (85% versus 79% in 2017).
Table 61: Confidence that the Electoral Commission conducts elections impartially

Total
Youth
Māori
Pasifika
Asian
Disabled

2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
2017
2020
5 – Total confidence  57%
59%
34%
48%↑
42%
48%
39%
46%
46%
50%
49%
63%↑
4
22%
26%↑
29%
26%
24%
27%
19%
31%↑
26%
30%
28%
23%
3
16%
12%↓
30%
22%
25%
21%
33%
15%↓
24%
16%
16%
9%↓
2
3%
2%
3%
1%
4%
3%
3%
4%
2%
3%
5%
2%
1 – No confidence
2%
1%
4%
2%
5%
0%↓
6%
5%
1%
1%
2%
3%
n =
1165
976
284
152
196
134
180
146
186
149
184
228
Youth (48% versus 62% for those aged 30+), Asian (50% versus 60% for non-Asian), Māori (48% versus 60% for non-
Māori) and Pasifika (46% versus 60% for non-Pasifika) were less likely to have total confidence (5 out of 5) in 2020.
Those of European descent were more likely to have total confidence (5 out of 5) (63% versus 48% for non-European).
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
67

Appendix A: Overview tables (2020)
Overview: Voters and non-voters
The following table shows the answers to key questions asked of both voters and non-voters. Please refer to the tables
in the main report for voter/non-voter specific questions.
Were you enrolled to vote in the New Zealand general election just been?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
94%
100%
69%
Base n =
1038
876
162
Why did you initially enrol to vote?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Wanted my opinion to count
42%
44%
30%
You have to, it’s the law
33%
33%
34%
Wanted to make a difference
9%
10%
4%
Someone I know encouraged me to
6%
4%
17%
I saw an ad that encouraged me to enrol
1%
1%
1%
Someone from the Electoral Commission talked to me about enrolling
1%
1%
4%
Another reason (please specify)
17%
17%
15%
Not sure
3%
3%
6%
Base n =
983
873
110
Were you eligible to vote in the 2017 New Zealand general election?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
91%
92%
86%
Base n =
1037
876
161
Voting process (% 4 or 5 out of 5)
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Understand the voting process
89%
94%
67%
Understand the enrolling process
91%
94%
79%
How to enrol to vote
90%
92%
79%
How to update your enrolment details
86%
90%
71%
How to vote
96%
99%
81%
Where you can vote
94%
97%
81%
What to do if can't get to a voting place
69%
74%
47%
Base n =
1038
876
162
Recall receiving EasyVote pack
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
72%
72%
66%
Base n =
845
799
46

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
68

Where did you see or hear that advertising about how to enrol or vote?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Television
69%
69%
63%
Newspapers
20%
20%
9%
Radio
15%
15%
6%
Word of mouth
2%
2%
1%
Signs
10%
10%
21%
Website that isn’t a social media website
13%
13%
16%
Social media website, e.g. Facebook, Instagram, etc.
23%
23%
25%
Pamphlets or fliers
17%
18%
5%
Bus shelters
2%
1%
4%
Street posters
1%
1%
4%
Another place (please specify)
0%
0%
0%
Not sure
0%
0%
1%
Base n =
590
558
32
Message outtake by channel grouped to overall
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Orange Guy/pup
34%
34%
37%
Enrol. Vote. Be Heard.
28%
29%
10%
Don’t forget to enrol to vote
28%
29%
13%
Enrol to vote in the referendums
7%
8%
0%
You can vote now
7%
7%
1%
Enrol early to make voting quick and easy
7%
7%
0%
Check the mail for your enrolment pack
7%
7%
0%
There’s an election and referendums coming up
7%
7%
0%
Referendum questions (End of Life Choice and/or Cannabis)
5%
5%
5%
You can vote in two referendums
5%
5%
0%
Vote Ghost
4%
4%
0%
More voting places this year
4%
4%
0%
Stacey and Scotty Morrison
3%
3%
2%
You can get help to vote
2%
2%
0%
Election date has changed
2%
2%
1%
First time voter
1%
2%
0%
Vote close to home
1%
1%
0%
Didn’t get an EasyVote pack
1%
1%
0%
Vote Like a Boss
1%
1%
1%
There will be safety measures at voting places
0%
1%
0%
Master Voter
0%
0%
3%
Another message (please specify)
18%
18%
15%
Not sure
17%
16%
33%
Base n =
574
543
31

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
69

Do you recall receiving your EasyVote pack in the mail?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
91%
94%
51%
Base n =
844
798
46
Which of these categories best describes what you did with the EasyVote pack?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Read most or all of it
54%
55%
9%
Read some of it
19%
19%
37%
Glanced at it
14%
14%
13%
Didn’t read it
12%
11%
41%
Not sure
0%
0%
0%
Base n =
768
744
24
There was an EasyVote card contained within the pack. Did you find it easily?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
97%
97%
89%
Base n =
701
684
17
On a scale from 1 to 5 where 1 is not very useful and 5 is very useful, overall, how
Total
Voters
Non-voters
useful did you find the EasyVote pack?
(% 4 or 5 out of 5)
88%
88%
45%
Base n =
699
682
17

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
70

Appendix B: Sample profile
The following table shows the unweighted (i.e. the number of interviews conducted) sample sizes by demographics.
Gender
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Male
422
358
64
Female
613
515
98
Gender diverse
3
3
0
Total
1038
876
162
Age
Total
Voters
Non-voters
18-29
155
104
51
30-39
142
104
38
40-49
131
102
29
50-59
186
156
30
60-69
177
169
8
70+
247
241
6
n =
1038
876
162
Ethnicity
Total
Voters
Non-voters
New Zealand European
623
539
84
Māori
158
124
34
Samoan
53
45
8
Cook Island Māori
29
26
3
Tongan
31
21
10
Niuean
14
11
3
Other Pacific Island ethnic group (specify)
32
26
6
Chinese
28
19
9
Indian
80
69
11
Other Asian ethnic group
49
37
12
Other ethnic group
53
44
9
Rather not say
3
3
0
n =
1038
876
162
Highest completed qualification
Total
Voters
Non-voters
No qualification
95
79
16
School Certificate or NCEA level 1
123
111
12
Sixth Form Certificate, University Entrance or NCEA Level 2
118
97
21
Bursary, Scholarship or NCEA level 3 or 4
76
60
16
A Trade Qualification
63
52
11
A certificate or diploma that does not require a degree
125
102
23
A polytech degree
39
29
10
A university degree
240
202
38
Postgraduate qualification, e.g. Honours, Masters, Doctorate
142
128
14
Other
5
5
0
Not sure
10
9
1
Rather not say
1
1
0
n =
1037
875
162
Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
71

Were you born in New Zealand?
Total
Voters
Non-voters
Yes
710
600
110
No
328
276
52
Rather not say
0
0
0
n =
1038
876
162
Gross household income
Total
Voters
Non-voters
>30k
139
117
22
30-50k
113
89
24
50-70k
110
104
6
70-100k
117
95
22
100-120k
78
70
8
120-150k
90
64
26
150k+
134
114
20
Not sure
180
150
30
Rather not say
77
73
4
n =
1038
876
162

Election 2020: Attitudes and Behaviours
72