Auckland voters are set to return to polling booths for the 2028 local elections. The council announced the decision on 29 September 2026 after reviewing postal, in-person and combined voting options.
The selected model provides staffed booths over a 10-day voting period, including advance voting and election day.
Cost remains unresolved. Initial estimates put booth voting at $31 million to $40 million, compared with about $16 million for a postal election. Councillors asked staff to investigate lowering the cost to $20 million and report back in December. That figure is a target for further work, rather than a confirmed final budget.
Voting locations have not yet been finalised. The council says planning will include accessible venues, multilingual information and support for people who face barriers to participation. Arrangements for voters overseas or outside Auckland also require further work.
For migrant communities, the practical details to watch are where booths will be located and how voter information will be provided.
Source: Auckland Council, 29 September 2026. English summary prepared on 12 October 2026.
