When you move to the other side of the world, there are plenty of things you expect to leave behind. Your old postcode. Your favourite coffee shop. The familiar rhythm of your hometown.
But your right to vote? That’s something you don’t have to give up.
For Americans living in New Zealand, this comes as a genuine surprise. Most people assume that once you leave the country, you forfeit your say in how it’s run. But that’s not true.
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American teenager living in New Zealand
Joey is a 19-year-old university student at the University of Waikato. She moved to New Zealand from Colorado with her family two years ago. She’s also a student ambassador for Vote From Abroad—an organisation dedicated to helping Americans overseas exercise their right to vote.
In this post, Joey shares what she’s learned about voting from abroad, what it’s really like for young people moving to New Zealand from the United States , and why the transition might be smoother than you think.
If you’ve been wondering is New Zealand a nice place to live, Joey’s answer is an unequivocal yes. And for parents worried about how older kids will settle, her story offers genuine reassurance.
Who Is Joey and Why Is She in New Zealand?
Joey is studying violin performance at the University of Waikato. Her family moved to New Zealand about two years ago—her mum, dad, and brother all made the journey. Her grandparents have since joined them too.
For those who have been part of the NZ Ahead community for a while, Joey’s parents, Shawnee and Matt, were familiar faces. They navigated the how to relocate to New Zealand process with the support of the community, and now their children are thriving.
Joey’s brother is studying cybersecurity at Waikato. Joey started at the University of Auckland before transferring to Hamilton to be closer to family.
Can Americans Really Still Vote from New Zealand?
Yes. Absolutely. And it’s easier than you might think.
When Joey tells Americans in New Zealand that they can still vote, the reaction is almost always the same: shock, followed by excitement.
“I’ll even be talking to some of my Kiwi friends about voting,” Joey says. “They’re like, ‘You can still do that?’ It’s not talked about as much as it should be.”
This is why Joey became a student ambassador for Vote From Abroad. She wants to spread the word that distance doesn’t have to mean disenfranchisement.
If you’re considering a move to New Zealand, this is one less thing to worry about.
How Do American Citizens Register to Vote from New Zealand?
The process is straightforward and entirely free.
First, go to votefromabroad.org. There, you’ll find a button that says “Request your overseas ballot.” You’ll fill out some basic information and choose how you’d like to receive your ballot.
Joey strongly recommends requesting your ballot by email. It’s faster, simpler, and it arrives directly in your inbox. Fax and mail-in options exist, but they take longer and can be more expensive.
“You’ll fill out this application—it takes like five minutes,” Joey says. “It’s very simple.”
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email. And if you’re concerned about anything, there are local contacts in Auckland who can help.
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Do You Have to Re-Register Every Year?
Yes. This is one of the most important things to know.
Americans living overseas are required to re-register every year to request their overseas ballot. It’s not a one-and-done process.
The good news? Once you know the system, it’s quick. Joey registered her entire family in about 30 minutes.
What If You Haven’t Voted in Years?
There’s no cut-off. There’s no penalty. You can always register.
“Even though you haven’t been voting, you can absolutely request your ballot and get started on that process now,” Joey says.
Does It Matter Which State You’re From?
Yes—and this is where things get a little more complicated.
Each state has its own rules about voting from abroad. Some require specific forms of identification. Some have different deadlines. Some are more straightforward than others.
“In typical US style, they’re all different,” Joey says. “It is really important to check your state’s rules and guidelines.”
The Vote From Abroad website allows you to look up your specific state’s requirements. Don’t assume that what works for one state works for another.
What About the Age Requirement?
You must be 18 to vote in US elections.
Joey was 17 when she moved to New Zealand, so she couldn’t register right away. But as soon as she turned 18, she was able to exercise her right.
This is important for families with younger children. If your kids are citizens, they’ll be able to vote when they come of age—wherever they’re living.
Why Is Voting from Abroad So Protected?
The right to vote from overseas is enshrined in US law—and for good reason.
A lot of the protections were put in place because of military service. Americans serving overseas, often with their families, needed a way to have their voices heard. Taking away that right would mean taking it away from veterans and active service members.
That’s why Joey is confident this won’t be changing anytime soon.
If you’re thinking about why move to New Zealand , knowing your civic rights are protected is reassuring.
Is it hard for an American to vote from New Zealand?
No. But it can feel overwhelming at first.
“The process is super overwhelming,” Joey admits. “You go into all these really official-looking websites that are kind of old and hard to navigate.”
That’s why having someone like Joey—and organisations like Vote From Abroad—makes all the difference. Once you find the right link and have your documents ready, the process takes minutes, not hours.
What Was It Like Moving from Colorado to New Zealand as a Teenager?
Moving countries is a big deal at any age. But for a 17-year-old, it’s a seismic shift.
Joey was honest about the challenges. Her brother was initially more hesitant than she was. Leaving behind friends, a boyfriend, and everything familiar wasn’t easy.
But she also spoke about how supported she felt.
“My high school support group—I’ve never felt so supported in my entire life,” she says. “They were so excited for me.”
That support, combined with the natural transition point of starting university, made the move smoother than expected. Joey graduated a semester early. Her brother took a gap semester. They both started university at the same time.
And the transition to New Zealand life? It was welcoming.
“Surprisingly, the accent was a very big topic of conversation,” Joey laughs. “People are interested in you because you’re different.”
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What About the Politics? Was It Daunting?
For Americans living in New Zealand as an American , politics can be a tricky topic. Certain names get thrown around. People make assumptions.
But Joey found it wasn’t as intimidating as she expected.
“People aren’t going to judge you as a person, from my experience,” she says. “They might ask. I’ve had my fair share of Uber drivers being like, ‘You’re American. Did you vote for X, Y, and Z?’ And it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re my Uber.'”
Joey’s role with Vote From Abroad is strictly nonpartisan. She doesn’t work for either party. Her only goal is helping people register to vote, regardless of who they’re voting for.
That neutrality has allowed her to have open, honest conversations without backlash.
What Does Joey Love Most About Living in New Zealand?
“It’s so easy to say how gorgeous it is here,” Joey says. “It’s cherry blossom season, which just warms my heart.”
But it’s not just the scenery. It’s the environment.
“Everyone’s going to be here to support you,” she says. “It’s such a supportive environment.”
And the coffee? That’s a bonus.
“You can bribe older kids with coffee,” Joey laughs. “The coffee here is fantastic.”
Advice for Parents with Older Kids Considering the Move to New Zealand
Joey’s message to parents is simple: give it time.
“It’s the worst thing that could happen is you come back to the States,” she says. “You don’t like it, you go back. Nothing’s ever permanent.”
If your kids are upset about the move, that’s normal. But it’s not permanent.
“Give them time, and things will fall into being more okay.”
For families considering new zealand work visas or a new zealand partner visa , this perspective is invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Americans living in New Zealand still vote in US elections?
A: Yes. Register at votefromabroad.org and request your overseas ballot by email.
Q: How often do I need to re-register?
A: You must re-register every year when living overseas.
Q: Is there a cut-off if I haven’t voted in years?
A: No. You can always register and request your ballot.
Q: Does it cost anything?
A: No, it’s free if you do it online. Free postage options may be available.
Q: What age do I need to be to vote?
A: You must be 18.
Q: Do state rules differ?
A: Yes. Check your state’s guidelines on Vote From Abroad.
Q: Is Vote From Abroad affiliated with a political party?
A: No. It is nonpartisan.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Point |
| Voting from abroad | Americans can still vote from NZ via votefromabroad.org |
| Registration | Free, quick, and renewed annually |
| Age | Must be 18 to vote |
| State rules | Check your state’s guidelines |
| Settling in | University is a welcoming environment |
| Support | The NZ Ahead community is here for you |
| Coffee | It’s fantastic—and a great bribe for older kids |
Ready to Join the Journey?
If you’re an American living in New Zealand —or planning to make the move—you don’t have to do it alone.
Your next steps:
- Head over to nzahead.com/free for our free 5-day video guide on life in New Zealand.
- Join our private NZ Ahead community on Slack for support from people on the same journey.
As Joey says, nothing’s ever permanent. But living in New Zealand as an American might just be the best decision you ever make.
Kia kaha. Stay strong. Stay true. Be brave—because brave is unbeatable.