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With the 2022 federal election around the corner, we want to ensure every older person is able to exercise their rights and participate in voting whether they are living at home or residential aged care homes. It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to enrol and vote in federal elections and referendums.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) provides assistance and various options so anyone can participate.
I live in a residential aged care home, how can I vote?
Due to the COVID-19 risk, AEC mobile voting will not take place during this federal election. Residents will be able to apply for a postal vote here, or by contacting 13 23 26. For the 2022 federal election, all postal vote applications must be received by the AEC by 6pm local time Wednesday, 18 May.
Residents who are mobile can also vote in a nearby in-person voting centre or visit an early voting centre (pre-polling centre). A list of early voting centres will be available soon on the AEC website here.
Mum lives with dementia and will need support to vote. How can I assist her?
If voters need assistance when voting at a polling place, they can take a family member of friend to assist them or ask an election official. An election official can assist you to fill out your ballot paper and will keep your vote secret. Election officials can not tell you how to vote.
The AEC also provides a range of ‘Easy read guides’ for people who may have difficulty reading and understanding written information.
I live at home with limited mobility, what are my options to vote?
If you will be unable to travel to a polling place to vote at the 2022 federal election, you can apply for a postal vote here or by contacting 13 23 26. For the 2022 federal election, all postal vote applications must be received by the AEC by 6pm local time Wednesday, 18 May.
A voter with a disability or mobility restrictions may also be eligible to become a general postal voter and receive ballot papers in the mail for each federal election.
To complete a postal vote, the voter may choose an assistant (such as a friend or family member) to help complete the ballot papers and envelope according to the voter’s instruction, but the voter must sign the envelope or make a mark as a signature.
If you wish to attend a polling place, a list of polling places will be made available on the AEC website. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
I use a mobility scooter, will I be able to vote in person?
Yes, voters with mobility scooters, wheelchairs or other mobility aides will be able to vote in person at pre poll and polling places on polling day. A list of polling places will be made available shortly on the AEC website. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
Dad has a vision impairment; how can he vote in this election?
Voters who are blind or have low vision can still vote by visiting a pre poll, polling place on polling day or apply for a postal vote on the AEC website. Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
Voters who are blind or have low vision can also cast a vote in secret from any location, including their own homes using telephone voting. Further information on telephone voting is available on the AEC website.
My grandfather lives with advanced dementia, can he be removed from the roll?
If your relative has dementia or any other severe cognitive impairment and they are no longer capable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting, you will need to complete the Objection claim that an elector should not be enrolled form to remove their name from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Once the form is completed please return it to the AEC.
I’ve recently moved into an aged care home, how do I update my enrolment?
If you have recently moved into an aged care home, you can update your details through the AEC website or by contacting 13 23 26.
Please note, the federal electoral roll closed on 18 April 2022. However, you can still enrol or update your details for future federal, state and local government elections.
I can’t be at my polling place on election day, can I vote early?
You can vote early either in person or by post if on election day you:
are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
are more than 8km from a polling place
are travelling
are unable to leave your workplace to vote
are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
are a patient in hospital and can’t vote at the hospital
have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
are a silent elector
have a reasonable fear for your safety.
A list of early voting centres will be available soon on the AEC website here.
Is there information available in other languages?
Information on how to enrol, vote and check the reliability of information is available in different languages on the AEC website here.