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Preparing for the Upcoming Federal Election: Accessible Voting Options for People with Low Vision and Blindness
As the 2025 federal election approaches, it’s vital to ensure that everyone, including people with low vision and blindness, can participate fully in the voting process. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) offers a range of accessible options to support voters with low vision and blindness, ensuring that you can cast your vote independently and securely.
1. Telephone Voting Service
For voters who are blind or have low vision, the AEC provides a dedicated telephone voting service. This service enables you to vote over the phone, ensuring privacy and convenience. It’s a great option for those who prefer not to travel to a polling station.
For more information on telephone voting visit – https://www.aec.gov.au/election/fe25/telephone-voting.htm
2. Accessible Voting Resources
The AEC ensures that essential electoral information is accessible to all voters:
- Large print, e-text, audio, and Braille versions of the official 2025 election guide will be available. You can request these formats by contacting the AEC at 13 23 26.
- Accessible candidate lists for both the House of Representatives and Senate are available in various formats, including audio (DAISY CD), Braille, large print, and e-text.
3. How to Request Accessible Voting Materials
If you need specific accommodations, contact the AEC to arrange for accessible materials. Accessible formats for key election documents and ballots can be produced on request by calling 13 23 26.
4. Plan Ahead and Know Your Rights
The AEC provides all voters with the tools and support they need to participate in the election, and there are various methods to ensure that your vote is counted in a way that is accessible to you. Whether you choose telephone voting, in-person voting with support, or by requesting accessible materials, it’s important to plan ahead and understand your options.
For more information, visit the AEC’s dedicated assistance page.
