New Zealand split on legalising cannabis in 'reeferendum'
Latest poll shows the No campaign ahead slightly among registered voters
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Support for the Yes and No campaigns in New Zealand’s referendum on legalising and taxing cannabis is split at 49.5% each, six weeks out from voting day. The No campaign, which aims to keep the status quo, has a slight edge in the poll by news outlet Stuff when only registered voters are counted, leading 50.8% to 48.4%. Voting and being on the electoral roll is optional in New Zealand. The “reeferendum” is being held alongside a similar referendum on euthanasia at the national election on 17 October. The new poll, of 1,300 voters, shows the closeness of the debate. Previous polls linked to major TV networks have shown the No vote ahead, while most online polls show the opposite.