'It's in the Ballot' takes the format of the Kiwi TV classic 'It's in the Bag' game show and puts a political twist to it.
Contestants of 'It's in the Bag' become political candidates in 'It's in the Ballot' Meet the Candidates.
Candidates choose a numbered box which has a question that has been submitted online by voters before the show.
It’s in the Ballot” is a community-led awareness and participation initiative. We aim to increase voter interest in the general and council elections nationally.
By using broadcasting and web-based technologies to deliver in-studio; online on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch; and edited as YouTube videos we aim to enable voters to make informed voting decisions.
This means you can send the weblink of the YouTube Video of your electorate show to your friends and whanau to encourage them to watch the show before they cast their votes.
Voting papers are sent to voters on Monday 24th August 2026 and must be delivered into a voting dropbox by 12pm Friday 25th September 2025
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- Online
Refund Policy
Location
Online event
Agenda
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First half of the show
The ‘It's in the Ballot’ host will introduce the local host who joins us to present the questions in the boxes. Each candidate starts with an Opening Statement (1 minute) on why you should give them your electoral and party vote. The candidates choose a numbered box and speaks to the question (1 minute). Candidates are given the same number of questions. Candidates are sent the question sheet 24 hours before the show so they can prepare their responses.
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Midshow break
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Second half of the show
Three Hard Hitting questions (1 minute) are answered by all candidates followed by a Closing Statement (1 minute).