Voters in the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga electorates unable to vote on Election Day this month can place their vote early, beginning today.

The first votes for the 2014 general election will be cast across the country today as advance voting begins ahead of the September 20 general election.

'Election day is September 20, but if you want, you can vote from today,” says chief electoral officer Robert Peden.

'Almost 300 advance voting places will be available around the country for people to cast early votes.”

Times and opening hours will vary around the country to suit local needs.

'Many advance voting places will have late nights or extended hours in the lead-up to election day,” says Robert.

'If you're unable to get to a voting place on election day, because you're on holiday, working, in hospital or for reason whatsoever, voting in advance is the easiest way to have your say.”

Most advance voting places are fully accessible or accessible with assistance for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Voting from overseas also begins today.

'We want to make it as easy as possible for all eligible New Zealanders to vote in this year's election. 'This includes Kiwis around the world, so if you have friends or family overseas, let them know they can vote from now.”

Click here for early voting locations and times for the Bay of Plenty electorate or here for Tauranga electorate locations and times.

Full information about when, where and how to vote in advance is available at www.elections.org.nz, by calling 0800 36 76 56, or by contacting your local Returning Officer.