Figures released by New Zealand's election authorities show a record 1.2 million people chose to cast their votes before election day on Saturday. That equates to about half of all the votes likely to be cast in the nation of just under 5 million people. Election authorities have been making it easier for people to cast early votes, which they can do at certain polling stations up to two weeks before the election.
It also means that New Zealanders might find out the results quicker because early votes are counted before the polls close at 7 p.m. Saturday. The first results will be announced about about 90 minutes after polls close.
Saturday's parliamentary election appears to be a close race between conservative Prime Minister Bill English and social-democratic challenger Jacinda Ardern.
Ardern has enjoyed a remarkable surge in popularity since taking over as opposition leader last month. The 37-year-old has been greeted like a rock star at large rallies and has generated plenty of excitement among her fans. The 55-year-old English has run a more low-key campaign, highlighting his experience and the economic growth the country has enjoyed. He's promising tax cuts for most workers.
Opinion polls indicate there has been a swing back to English in the waning days of the campaign after Ardern had all the early momentum.
Polls in New Zealand close at 7 p.m. local time (3 a.m. in Montreal).