Advance votes a record at nearly a million

A record number of Kiwis have turned out to vote ahead of today’s General Election.

As of Thursday, 985,530 had cast their vote at advance polling places. That compares with the 557,112 people who had turned out to vote by the same time in the 2014 election.

Thursday was a record- breaking day for this election with 178,785 people casting their vote.

And, with a fine day expected for most of the country, today polling places nationwide will no doubt be busy for the last day of voting.

Voting places are open from 9am until 7pm today.

MetService meteorologist Cameron Coutts said the weather was “looking pretty good” with above average temperatures expected in areas including Christchurch and Blenheim, which could reach 19C and 20C respectively.

Auckland was also in for a warm day with a high of 17C.

A few morning showers were expected in Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, as well as in the west of the South Island, across to Southland and Otago at times. These will, however, be followed by fine spells.

Figures show 91.1 per cent of eligible voters had enrolled to vote in this year’s election, as of last night.

In 2014, 77.9 per cent of enrolled voters turned out to vote in the election. This was a slight improvement on the record low 74.2 per cent in 2011.

Preliminary results are set to start being progressively released from 7pm tonight.

The Herald then. the results come in live at Shadows Bar at the University of Auckland or Victoria University’s Hunter Lounge. Shadows have promised politicsthemed cocktails, while the folk in Wellington are offering free pizza. Both events kick off at 6pm.

Brothers Beer, Auckland, is promising $ 2 off your first beer if you can prove you have voted. Plus, they will be showing the election on the big screen.

The Establishment, Wellington Dress in your favourite party’s colours and head on down to Courtenay Pl for a drink or two while you watch the election.