May 03, 2019

Accessible voting options for seniors

The Australian federal election will be held on Saturday May 18 2019. For the 2019 Federal Election, voters aged 65+ years make up 23% of the electorate, a significant voice.

What is important is that everyone’s voice is heard. For senior Australians with a health issue, the practicalities of voting can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several accessible voting options available to smooth the process:

  1. Postal Voting

If you live too far away from a voting centre, have mobility issues that may restrict your ability access to a voting centre, or are residing in a nursing home, you may be eligible for a postal vote. Once registered for a postal vote, ballot papers will be sent to you via post.

  1. Early Voting Centres

By voting early you beat the queues, thus have improved access for parking and assistance from polling officials. The best news…. early voting centres are already open!

  1. Telephone voting

If you have a visual impairment you may be eligible for telephone voting which can be done from home.

  1. Seek assistance

At a voting centre polling officials are there to help, for example; answering questions, helping you to complete ballot papers and helping you to cast your vote. If you are unable to get out of the car due to health issues, a polling official can bring the ballot papers to you. You may also nominate a friend or family member to assist you at a polling centre.

  1. Not all voting centres are the same

Accessibility is generally quite good at voting centres. Although, for more specific information, each voting centre has an accessibility rating which is available on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.

  1. Accessible Information

The AEC ‘Official Guide to the 2019 Federal Election’ is available in many accessible forms including; large print, easy reading, braille and audio.

Visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s website for more information about accessible voting options for seniors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Grandmothers around the world share their culinary heritage: ‘It’s a labour of love’

Enoteca Maria is a small restaurant operated by a rotating roster of ‘nonnas’ – grandmothers with unique cooking skills from around the globe. Though the doors had to close due to COVID-19, the nonnas have continued to produce sauces and relishes to sell online. Yum! Read More

No one under 45 should live in aged care

Ahead of next week’s Federal Budget, the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck, has announced an additional $10.6m of government funding. It’s not for older people, but instead to move younger people – particularly those under the age of 45 – out of aged care. Read More

Elderly Queensland man stranded in NSW collapses after heartbreaking TV interview

A man recovering from heart surgery who has been unable to return home to Queensland collapsed after a TV interview where he revealed that he had run out of money for a hotel. Read More
Advertisement