‘Blind’ voters’ first independent ballot
Blind and visually impaired people will be able to cast independent votes at this year’s federal election for the first time. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has a range of information and services to support voters who are blind or have low vision for the 2013 federal election.
Blind and visually impaired people will be able to cast independent votes at this year’s federal election for the first time.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has a range of information and services to support voters who are blind or have low vision for the 2013 federal election.
Voters who are blind or have low vision will have the option to:
- cast a vote over the telephone from any location, or
- cast a vote with assistance at any polling place or by post.
Telephone voting
Voters who are blind or have low vision can vote in secret, by telephone, from any location, without the need to attend an AEC office.
Register
Voters must register to cast their vote by telephone. Registration for telephone voting starts two and a half weeks before election day and ends at 12pm (AEST) on election day.
To register, voters need to call 1800 913 993. When a voter calls to register, they will be asked to select a PIN. Once registered, they will receive an acknowledgment letter at their enrolled address. The registration number can also be received by post, email, SMS or through a phone call.
Call to vote
Telephone voting starts two and a half weeks before election day and ends at 6pm (AEST) on election day.
To vote, registered voters will call 1800 913 993. They will not need to give their name. Their registration number and PIN will be used to mark their name off the electoral roll while protecting their privacy. It is important that voters do not forget their registration details.
Vote
A call centre voting assistant will record the voter’s preferences on the ballot papers. The vote will be secret and a second voting assistant will ensure that the vote is recorded according to the voter’s intention.
The vote remains secret because the call centre voting assistants will not know the voter’s name and address. They will only know which electorate and state or territory voters live in. Once the vote is complete, the voting assistant will place the ballot papers into a secure ballot box.
For more information: Australian Electoral Commission on 13 23 26.
