Lorde has revealed she was forced to delete an Instagram post after accidentally breaking rules regarding a local government election in New Zealand.
The Auckland native took to social media to urge her Auckland-based fans to vote in the mayoral election, and went on to accidentally show her voting ballot, with a cross next to her preferred candidate’s name.
The Solar Panel singer’s slip-up went against the Electoral Commission’s rules, which state that no one should film or take photos of their ballot, or post anything to social media that could influence voters on election day.
The Kiwi hitmaker, real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor, admitted in a later clip that she had been “told off” for the infringement but insisted that the sentiment behind her original post still applied.
She said: “Okay so the Electoral Commission told me off because you’re not allowed to post anything about who you’re gonna vote for or show voting papers.
“Post still applies. Get out there” with the words “Vote vote vote” as a sticker placed across her Story.
MailOnline reported that a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission denied the organisation had contacted the star, and that she “may have had a case of mistaken identity.”
However, if the 25-year-old failed to delete her social media post she could faced a fine of up to NZ$5000 (£2517).
There are several candidates running to replace retiring Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
Lorde has never shied away from sharing her political views and recently used her platform to denounce the US Supreme Court at Glastonbury shortly after Roe v Wade was overturned.
The Royals songstress told the crowd during her stellar set: “Wanna hear a secret, girls?
“Your bodies are destined to be objectified since before you were born. That horror is your birth right. But here’s another secret. You possess ancient strength, ancient wisdom, wisdom that has propelled every woman that came before you.
“That wisdom is also your birth right. I ask you today, make accessing that wisdom your life’s work. Because everything depends on it. F**k the Supreme Court.”
The Evening Standard has contacted Lorde and the New Zealand Electorial Commission for comment.
