Internet voting is now available for certain electors at the March 2017 State election.
Under new legislation anyone with an incapacity or disability which makes it difficult to vote or to vote in secret may register to vote online. This may include people who are temporarily incapacitated.
“For some electors this will be the first time they have been able to vote in secret, which for them and us is an exciting development”, Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake said.
“Instead of asking someone else to fill out ballot papers for them, these electors will be able to vote via the internet or using a touchtone telephone,” he said.
Electors can register and vote using the system from now on.
The voting procedure is based on the iVote system deployed successfully at the last two New South Wales state elections, with a number of recently developed enhancements.
Once registered, electors are issued with unique credentials enabling them to log on and vote. Most will do so from the privacy of their own homes.
To register electors should visit the election website or contact the special iVote helpdesk 1300 648 683. This number is available only for electors intending to use the iVote system. All other election enquiries should be addressed to the general helpline 136 306.
Depending upon the will of the Parliament, the Electoral Commission hopes to expand the system at the next election to allow internet voting by electors in remote areas or who are overseas when the election is held.