Understanding Elections

The webinar covers the importance of elections, election legislation, and the election timeline. It discusses by-elections, valedictory statements, campaign funding, and advertising rules. The session also explains government actions pre-election, enrolment, voter turnout, and the processes of adjournment and dissolution of Parliament. Key topics include writ day, nomination, overseas voting, advance and postal voting, election day, and the counting process. The webinar concludes with discussions on referendums, government formation, official results, and the opening of Parliament, followed by a Q&A session.

Why is it crucial for all demographics to participate in elections?

• To make elections more competitive

• To prevent any group from being underrepresented in Parliament

• To reduce the number of candidates

• To ensure that only the majority's voice is heard

What is the main reason for having legislation around elections?

• To limit the number of candidates

• To make elections longer

• To ensure fairness and transparency

• To make elections more expensive

What happens if an MP leaves Parliament before the next election?

• The seat remains vacant until the next general election

• A by-election is held to fill the vacancy

• The Prime Minister appoints a new MP

• A new MP is appointed without an election

What is the purpose of the enrolment update campaign?

• To announce the election date

• To update and clean the electoral rolls

• To introduce new candidates

• To collect campaign donations

What is the significance of the writ in the election process?

• It announces the election results

• It is a formal instruction to hold the election

• It sets the campaign budget

• It dissolves Parliament

What significant change in 2017 led to an explosion in advance voting?

• Introduction of online voting

• Introduction of enrol and vote at the same time

• Increase in the number of voting places

• Extension of voting hours

What is the consequence of deliberately voting more than once?

• Investigation and potential police involvement

• A fine

• Disqualification from voting

• A warning

Where can students choose to be enrolled for voting?

• Only where they were born

• Either where they consider home or where they are studying

• Only where they consider home

• Only where they are studying

How many MPs are elected to the New Zealand Parliament under the MMP system?

• 150

• 120

• 200

• 100

What is the role of the Governor-General in the formation of the government?

• To determine who can command the majority in the House

• To appoint the Prime Minister directly

• To oversee the election process

• To negotiate coalition agreements