You and voting
How can I vote in a general election?
You can either:
- cast a special vote from the place where you normally live; or
- take someone with you to the polling booth who can assist you in voting.
Casting a special vote
If you are enrolled as a voter and getting to the nearest polling
place would cause you serious inconvenience or hardship you can cast a
special vote.
You can ask for ballot papers to be sent in the mail, or nominate
someone to collect them for you. These are available at least two weeks
in advance. You must sign the voting form yourself.
Assisted voting
If you are either wholly or partially blind the Electoral Act 1993 allows you to take someone of your choice with you into the voting booth. The issuing officer can accompany you if no-one else is available.
He or she can:
- assist you to mark the paper;
- mark the paper according to your instructions.
You may nominate a second person to inspect the ballot paper before you deposit it into the ballot box. In addition, you can assist yourself to vote by taking a device, such as a magnifier, into the booth with you.
What help can I get with postal voting in local elections?
The Local Electoral Regulations 2001 say you can ask for the same assistance with your postal vote form as your general election vote. That is, you can nominate someone either to assist you to complete the form yourself or to complete it for you, according to your instructions.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the election infoline (see contact details) or your local electorate returning officer.