The 1881 Nelson by-election was a by-election held on 7 June 1881 in the electorate during the 7th New Zealand Parliament. The "show of hands" had favoured Richmond (31 to 24).[1]
The by-election was caused by the resignation of the incumbent MP Acton Adams. The by-election was won by Henry Levestam. Richmond was regarded as the Government nominee.[2]
The following table gives the election result: