New Zealand reinstates total ban on prisoner voting

New Zealand's Cabinet has agreed to reinstate a total ban on voting for all sentenced prisoners, reversing a previous policy that allowed inmates serving less than three years to vote. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith described the ban as a move to emphasize personal responsibility and the rule of law, criticizing the prior government's approach as 'soft on crime.' The new ban, which will be part of an electoral amendment bill introduced later this year, will not apply to people on remand or serving home detention, and will not be retrospective—meaning some current inmates will still be eligible to vote in the next election. Goldsmith acknowledged that the number of votes from prisoners is unlikely to affect election outcomes, but argued the policy is about sending a signal regarding civic responsibilities. The decision dismisses previous recommendations from the High Court, the Electoral Commission, and the Waitangi Tribunal, all of which had opposed a blanket ban. Upon completion of their sentences, prisoners will regain their voting rights, with support from Corrections and the Electoral Commission for re-enrollment.