While waiting in line on election day, concerns have sparked between residents about what is and what isn't allowed in the voting stations.

A Mount Maunganui Facebook group page has started a conversation about whether it is acceptable for people to wear a badge that represents their chosen party within a polling booth.

Since the post, many people have described similar circumstances at a polling station.

According to the Election Day Handbook it is legal for anyone to wear a party lapel badge or rosette in public bearing the party's name, emblem, slogan or logo, however, the item must not have the candidate's name on it.

Scrutineers, who may be appointed by candidates to observe in advance voting places and voting places and during the preliminary count, are also allowed to wear party lapel badges, however, they must not communicate with voters about their chosen party.

Clothing with slogans or logos that promote a party or candidate must not be displayed on Election Day. Despite this people can still show their support by wearing clothing in party colours.

Summary of the rules for candidates, parties and third parties

On Election Day you must not:

• Display any hoardings - all election signs must be taken down or covered up before election day.
• Display any other election advertising - cover up or place away from public view vehicles advertising parties or candidates (this includes flags and bumper stickers).
• Distribute any campaign material.
• Distribute or display anything showing political party or candidate names.
• Post-election-related material online. This includes election-related posts on social media such as Facebook or Twitter.
• Take part in any election-related demonstration or procession.
• Wear or display clothing that promotes a political party or candidate.
• Conduct opinion polling of voters.

On Election Day you may:

• Wear a party lapel badge or rosette in public bearing the party's name, emblem, slogan or logo (but not the candidate's name or other content).
• Display streamers, rosettes, ribbons or similar items in party colours on people or vehicles (subject to the prohibition on processions).
• Contact voters to offer help to get to a voting place. But, you must not say or do anything that influences voters as to the party or candidate they should or should not vote for.
• Continue to display fixed signs that were up before election day on party headquarters and MP offices, including party names, slogans or logos that do not relate specifically to the election campaign.
• Keep existing election material up on a website as long as the material is not updated on election day, it is only made available to people who voluntarily access it, and the website is not advertised.