Another important change sees the bill temporarily extend overseas voter eligibility for the 2023 general election in light of COVID-19 - related travel restrictions. Citizens and permanent residents will now retain their ability to enrol to vote if they haven't returned to New Zealand for up to six and four years respectively. Currently, the maximum periods are three years without returning to New Zealand for citizens and 12 months for permanent residents. Overseas voters will still face considerable financial, travel, health, and logistical barriers to returning home. Extending their eligibility to vote upholds the democratic rights of thousands of New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.