With the first flag referendum upon us, it is important that all New Zealanders know what to expect, how to take part and what will happen next.
This is the first of two referendums on the New Zealand flag.
First, between tomorrow and December 11, you'll be voting on the question ''If the New Zealand flag changes, which flag would you prefer?''
You'll be asked to rank the five alternative flag designs selected through the Flag Consideration process from those suggested by New Zealanders.
In March 2016, there will be another binding referendum to choose between the preferred alternative flag design from the first referendum and the New Zealand flag.
The flag that receives the most votes in the second referendum will be the official flag of New Zealand.
Your voting pack will include your voting paper, full information on how to complete your paper, and information about the five flag options.
On your voting paper, you will be asked to rank the alternative flag options - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - in the order you prefer them.
Write a ''1'' in the box of the flag option you prefer most. Put a ''2'' in the box of the option you prefer next, and so on.
You can rank as many or as few flag options as you wish, but you should not skip a number or use the same number more than once.
If one flag option gets 50% or more of all the first preference votes (that is votes marked ''1'') it will be selected on the first count.
If no flag option gets 50% or more of the first preference votes, the flag with the fewest number ''1'' votes is dropped and its votes go to the flag each voter ranked next.
This continues until one flag gets 50% or more of the valid votes. Post your voting paper back once you've made your choice.
There will be a return envelope in your voting pack.
If you are posting it within New Zealand make sure your voting paper is in a New Zealand Post mailbox by Tuesday, December 8 to ensure it gets back in time.
An informal vote is recorded for any paper in which the voter's first preference for one of the five options cannot be determined, or if they mark the paper in a way that changes the flag images or the intent of the question.
Informal votes are included in the overall turnout, but do not have any impact on the result of the referendum.
You should get your voting paper by Friday, November 27.
If you're enrolled and do not get a pack by then, visit elections.org.nz or freephone 0800 36 76 56 to get a replacement paper.
You can also get a replacement paper if you make a mistake, lose, or destroy your paper.
For more information: www.elections.org.nz or 0800 36 76 56.
