I think we can turn off the alarms and stand down the cavalry. 

The changes to enrolment for this year's election have not turned out to be the cataclysmic disaster the misery merchants claimed it was going to be. 

There are a number of rule changes passed late last year. The most significant one is when you enrol. 

Previously you could enrol on the day. That now is changed to 12 days before election day – in this year's vote that’s October 25th. 

It's important to point out enrolling on the day has not been a thing forever, or anywhere close. Not that you would realise that from the gnashing of teeth when the current Government looked to change it. 

In really simple terms it was a half decent idea. But we couldn’t cope with it, results got delayed and the machinery got overwhelmed. Sort of like the tech, where once we thought we might be voting with our phones, it's never seemed further away. 

So as of the end of June is there a vast catchment of New Zealanders who have missed out and will no longer be part of our democratic process? No, and it's not even close. 

89% of us are enrolled. Is that good? Yes, it is. It's higher than at this time in any of the past three elections. 

The message got through, we made the effort, so job done. 

And not just that, but as I said, we still have until October 25th, which is eons away even if you haven't thought about it or quite got around to it. 

It's a very good example of the predilection in this country to make a mountain out of a molehill or to paint the worst possible scenario for any change at all. 

The argument was, and still is, that there is no shortage of time to get yourself sorted. Elections are not a surprise. There is no scandal. No one is missing out. 

I would also argue that even with all the advertising and promotion and the huge gap between election days, if you are in fact one of the very few who doesn’t quite get around to it, you know what? Tough luck. 

The real test of democracy is, can you vote? And what value do you place on that right? 

A lot of it is in your hands and no one is stopping you. 

So not really a problem after all, is it? 

I think we can turn off the alarms and stand down the cavalry.&nbsp;
The changes to enrolment for this year's election have not turned out to be the cataclysmic disaster the misery merchants claimed it was going to be.&nbsp;
There are a number of rule changes passed late last year. The most significant one is when you enrol.&nbsp;
Previously you could enrol on the day. That now is changed to 12 days before election day – in this year's vote that’s October 25th.&nbsp;
It's important to point out enrolling on the day has not been a thing forever, or anywhere close. Not that you would realise that from the gnashing of teeth when the current Government looked to change it.&nbsp;
In really simple terms it was a half decent idea. But we couldn’t cope with it, results got delayed and the machinery got overwhelmed. Sort of like the tech, where once we thought we might be voting with our phones, it's never seemed further away.&nbsp;
So as of the end of June is there a vast catchment of New Zealanders who have missed out and will no longer be part of our democratic process? No, and it's not even close.&nbsp;
89% of us are enrolled. Is that good? Yes, it is. It's higher than at this time in any of the past three elections.&nbsp;
The message got through, we made the effort, so job done.&nbsp;
And not just that, but as I said, we still have until October 25th, which is eons away even if you haven't thought about it or quite got around to it.&nbsp;
It's a very good example of the predilection in this country to make a mountain out of a molehill or to paint the worst possible scenario for any change at all.&nbsp;
The argument was, and still is, that there is no shortage of time to get yourself sorted. Elections are not a surprise. There is no scandal. No one is missing out.&nbsp;
I would also argue that even with all the advertising and promotion and the huge gap between election days, if you are in fact one of the very few who doesn’t quite get around to it, you know what? Tough luck.&nbsp;
The real test of democracy is, can you vote? And what value do you place on that right?&nbsp;
A lot of it is in your hands and no one is stopping you.&nbsp;
So not really a problem after all, is it?&nbsp;

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The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Mike's Minute: Calm down, the election enrolment changes aren't a problem

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/01bf442b-7dfa-4810-9f96-b49c01687348/transcript