New Zealand election enters blackout period

New Zealand's election day has begun with no visible campaign activity. Polling places are empty, with no campaigners, how-to-vote cards, or roadside signage present. This is mandated by law to ensure voters can cast their ballots without interference.

The blackout period, which starts at midnight, prohibits any content that could influence a voter's choice. This includes social media posts, which are difficult to enforce due to the anonymity and reach of online platforms.

Local media are also restricted from publishing political content, except for the locations of polling places. However, outlets like The Spinoff have found creative ways to keep the public engaged by liveblogging with pictures of dogs at polling stations.

Campaigners must remove all signage before midnight, with volunteers working late into the night to comply. Despite the restrictions, more than 1.6 million voters have already cast ballots before the election day cut-off.

An independent electoral review suggested the rules are too strict and outdated, but some politicians, including National Party leader Judith Luxon, support maintaining the blackout as a tradition that provides a necessary break for candidates and volunteers.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins emphasized the importance of the blackout in preventing fatigue for campaigners and allowing for coalition negotiations to begin after the election. He also noted the cultural significance of the tradition, expressing concern about its potential loss.