With just over five weeks until the 2026 General Election on 12 August, Cook Islands Electoral Office is encouraging all eligible voters to inspect the Main Electoral Roll and ensure their enrolment details are correct.
According to the Electoral Office, printed copies of the 2026 Parliamentary General Election Main Roll are available for inspection at the Electoral Office, the Ministry of Justice in Avarua, Island Administration offices throughout the Pa Enua (outer islands), and online via the Cook Islands Statistics Office website.
Chief electoral officer Taggy Tangimetua said enrolment by first-time voters had been slow, though there are encouraging signs of increased engagement.
“At this stage, first-time young voter enrolment has been slow, but with Census teams out in the community and outreach being carried out by youth organisations, participation is looking better compared with previous elections,” Tangimetua said.
She also confirmed that people receiving their Permanent Resident (PR) status during the citizenship ceremony on 10 July would be able to enrol to vote once they met the legal eligibility requirements (PR certificates).
Under the Cook Islands Electoral Act 2004, a person is eligible to enrol if they – are a Cook Islander, New Zealand citizen or hold Permanent Resident status in the Cook Islands; have lived continuously in the Cook Islands for at least 12 months at some stage; are aged 18 years or older; have lived in the Cook Islands continuously for the three months immediately before applying to enrol; have not been convicted of electoral corruption or a serious criminal offence punishable by death or imprisonment of one year or more, unless they have received a free pardon or completed their sentence; and are of sound mind.
Generally, electors must enrol in the constituency where they have most recently lived continuously for at least three months.
People can become disqualified if they leave the Cook Islands or their electorate for more than three consecutive months.
However, the law provides several important exceptions. Time spent away for education, technical training, medical treatment, diplomatic service, or accompanying a family member serving overseas does not automatically affect a person’s enrolment, provided the absence meets the conditions set out in the Electoral Act.
Anyone who becomes disqualified because of an extended absence can requalify by returning to the Cook Islands and living continuously in the country, or in their electorate, for at least three months.
Tangimetua urges all electors to check the Main Roll as early as possible.
“We encourage everyone to inspect the Main Roll to ensure their enrolment details are correct. If you believe there is an error or omission, or wish to lodge an objection, please contact the Electoral Office,” she said.
