Prisoner Voting Ban – What You Need to Know 

The government is planning to bring back a law that would ban all prisoners from voting in general elections.

This isn’t a new idea — it was first introduced in 2010, then overturned in 2020 after pressure from the courts, the Waitangi Tribunal, and community voices.

Now, it’s back. And it matters — especially for Māori.

What is the prisoner voting ban?

This policy is what’s known as disenfranchisement — basically, taking away someone’s right to vote.

In this case, it would mean everyone in prison, no matter how short their sentence, would lose the right to vote while inside.

Voting bans like this have been widely criticised as a breach of human rights — and in Aotearoa, a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

What’s changing?

In 2020, the law was changed to allow people serving less than 3 years in prison to vote.

That change followed a High Court ruling and recommendations from the Waitangi Tribunal — both of which said the blanket ban was discriminatory, especially against Māori.

Now, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says Cabinet will bring back the full ban as part of the upcoming Electoral Amendment Bill.

If passed, all prisoners would lose the right to vote again — no matter their sentence length.

Why does it matter?

This ban targets Māori. We’re already overrepresented in prisons — so banning voting inside prisons is another way our voices are silenced.

The Waitangi Tribunal has already found this policy breaches Te Tiriti.

There’s no evidence it reduces crime, helps people reintegrate, or improves public safety. In fact, research shows that voting helps build civic responsibility and connection.

Voting is a habit. If we take that opportunity away, we’re shutting people out of democratic life. And when our whānau are excluded, our communities suffer too.

Political participation isn’t just about politics — it’s a public health issue. It influences our wellbeing, our access to services, and our ability to shape the future.

What can we do?

• Talk to your whānau about voting and why it matters.
• Help people enrol and stay connected to civic life — especially those reintegrating after prison.
• When the Electoral Amendment Bill goes to Parliament, make a submission.

We’ll keep you posted on when submissions open. You don’t have to be a policy expert to speak up — you just have to care.

This is about mana motuhake, about voice, and about protecting our rights — for everyone.