In a general election you get two votes – your party vote and your electorate vote.

The party (or parties) that get to govern - together with all the members of parliament - get to make decisions that affect your life in big ways every day, so it’s a big deal.

Your party vote helps choose who gets into parliament and who forms a government. Parties will get a share of seats in parliament in line with their share of party votes.  Your electorate vote helps choose who represents you and the part of the country you live in.

A general election usually happens every three years – so the next one should be in 2011.

Get more information about the impact of your vote at Elections NZ.