The New Zealand Ministry of Local Government is to trial online voting at the 2016 local authority elections.

Minister for Local Government, Chris Tremain, noted, “Online transactions are the way of the future and the Government is committed to rolling out digital services for New Zealanders.”

“Voter turnout in local body elections is traditionally low and we need to look at other ways to encourage people to become involved in the democratic process. Online voting will be more convenient and appeal to young voters. It will also make it easier for people with disabilities to vote,” added the Minister.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will be forming a working body to consider the options, costs and security issues involved in online voting. The body will consist of government and local agency officials, and information technology experts.

The Ministry looks to have robust regulations in place, in order to gain voters’ trust and confidence in the online voting system. The working group will be looking to systems used in public elections by other countries and assessing their security and technology to mitigate risk.

The Government’s online identity verification service, RealMe, will be used to provide security to the voting system. Electoral enrolment details can now be updated online using a RealMe verified identity, according to the recently introduce Electoral Amendment Bill.