Voting options for people with disability
At the 2017 State general election the following voting options were available:
iVote
The iVote system is a form of voting using a telephone or the internet at a location of your choice.
iVote was available to people enrolled to vote in WA who could not vote without assistance because they:
- have insufficient literacy skills
- are blind or sight impaired
- are otherwise incapacitated.
An Auslan video is available on the WA Deaf Society YouTube channel.
Read the Auditor's letter of audit (PDF 471KB)
Other voting options
Accessible polling places
Drive in polling places
Audio loops
Assistance at polling places
Mobile polling
Registering as a general early voter
Information for carers
It is the right of every elector to cast their vote in an environment which provides for a secret and independent ballot. However, you may seek assistance at any time. If you do not understand the process, are unable to or have difficulty writing on your ballot paper or need any other assistance you may ask a polling official, carer, friend or relative.
For more information on what assistance is available, you can also read the Enhancing Access brochure (PDF 195KB).
Accessible polling places
Before an election, all potential polling places are assessed to determine if they are accessible for people with mobility issues or who are in a wheelchair. As polling places are located in existing public buildings and locations, such accessibility cannot always be guaranteed.
The Commission aims to have as many accessible polling places as possible, and will even use temporary ramps to maximise the number of accessible polling places available for electors. Polling places also have reserved parking bays as close to the polling place location as possible for electors with limited mobility.
Accessible polling places are identified in advertising.
Drive-in polling places
Drive-in polling places are available at selected locations in the metropolitan area on polling day for electors with limited mobility. This service enables all visiting electors to vote without having to leave a vehicle.
Signage at the location will help direct you to this service. Polling officials will then assist electors by bringing their ballot papers to the car.
| DISTRICT & REGION | CODE | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup, NM | JOO | Beldon Primary School |
| Mount Lawley, EM | MTL | Coolbinia Primary School |
| Rockingham, SM | ROC | Rockingham Autumn Centre |
| Thornlie, EM | THN | Addie Mills Centre |
| Willagee, SM | WIL | Southern Districts Senior Centre |
At all other polling places, polling officials are able to take ballot papers out to an elector who has difficulty leaving their car, if requested.
Audio Loops
Hearing and listening aids can be ineffective in environments with a lot of talking or background noise, such as a polling place. Audio loops are used to overcome this issue by enhancing the sound of a person’s voice, such as a polling official. Audio loops were first trialled at the 2013 State election at selected polling places for use by electors using a hearing or listening aid.
Polling places with audio loops are advertised with the symbol of access for hearing loss. Electors with a hearing or listening aid can switch to ‘T’ to use the system.
Assistive Devices at Polling Places
A range of assistance and assistive devices are available at polling places for electors. Polling place staff are aware of all assistive devices available, and can offer assistance to any elector.
Better Hearing Cards
All polling places are supplied with Better Hearing Counter Cards. These cards are placed at issuing points.
Magnifying Sheets
All polling places have hand-held magnifying sheets, which are available upon request. Magnifying sheets enlarge the text on the ballot papers.
Desktop Voting Screens
Desktop voting screens are available at every polling place. These voting screens are at a height that can be used by a person using a wheelchair. The desktop voting screens also enable electors to vote sitting down if required.
Triangular Pencils
Easy-grip triangular pencils are available for electors who have difficulty holding or writing with standard pencils.
Information Officers
The Information Officer or Queue Controller is available at most polling places to provide information and to offer assistance to electors. This person is often visible by them wearing a shirt with an ‘i’ on the front.
Mobile Polling
During the State election, the Commission visits hospitals and selected institutions such as nursing homes, aged care facilities and retirement homes to provide electors the opportunity to vote without having to leave the premises.
Mobile polling is only available for residents and patients. Staff and visitors can vote early at an early voting centre or at a polling place on polling day.
The date and time that mobile polling will take place is advertised at the venue in advance of polling.
Registration as a general early voter
Electors with disability or who are frail may apply for registration as a general early voter ( external site PDF 1.5 MB). This means that ballot papers are automatically sent to electors after the election has been announced and ballot papers have been printed.
Information for Carers
The Commission is committed to ensuring that carers are provided with every opportunity to vote at election time and also that they are provided with information to ensure those that they are caring for can participate in the electoral process if they are able to do so.
For more information, see the brochure (PDF 183 KB).
Assisting with Voting
Carers, relatives, friends and polling place staff at voting locations are able to accompany and assist voters to complete their ballot papers. Carers or electors with disability should not hesitate to ask for assistance if required.
If an elector is unable to enter a polling place due to disability or limited mobility, upon request, a polling official can take the ballot papers to the elector (close to the polling place) for them to complete. The polling official, or another person, can also provide the elector with assistance to complete the ballot papers if required.
If you have specific concerns you may wish to contact the Commission or view the brochure (PDF 195 KB).
Removing electors from electoral roll
An elector may be removed from the electoral roll where a registered medical practitioner has certified in writing that the person is incapable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting. Contact the Commission for a copy of this form.