In Australia, early voting for Indigenous "Voice" and the general election in New Zealand both begin

In New Zealand, early voting for the general election scheduled for October 14 began on Monday.

After testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' campaign in New Zealand suffered a blow. He stated he would isolate himself for a period of five days or until he received a negative test result, but he intended to carry on with some Zoom engagements.

In a referendum that would have included a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise Parliament on matters that impact their lives in Australia's constitution, early voting has also started in several parts of the country.

Approximately 98% of eligible Australians have registered to vote in the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in Australia, where voting is mandatory.

Four states or territories started early voting on Monday, and the other four will start on Tuesday after Monday was declared a public holiday.

Coincidentally, October 14 falls on the same day as the election and the referendum.