04/03/2025
Ensuring Accessible Voting for People with Disability
With the federal election approaching, efforts are being made to ensure that everyone, including people with disability and their carers, has fair and equal access to voting. A range of accessible options are available to support participation.
Updated Voting Rules
Recent changes to the Commonwealth Electoral Act have improved access to voting, expanding eligibility for postal and pre-poll voting to include people with disability and those who support them.
Alternative Voting Options
For those who cannot attend a polling place on election day, alternative options include:
Telephone Voting – Available for voters who are blind or have low vision.
Postal Voting – Open to people with disability and their carers. Applications for a one-off postal vote will open once the election is announced, and those who prefer to receive ballot papers by mail for all future elections can register as a general postal voter. A friend or family member can assist if needed.
Early Voting – Available from two weeks before election day, with more than 500 early voting centres expected to open nationwide.
Mobile Voting – Teams will visit people who are unable to travel to a polling place, including those in residential disability facilities, aged care, hospitals, and mental health facilities.
Polling Place Assistance – Voters can be supported by a nominated person, such as a family member, friend, or carer. Trained staff will also be available to assist where required.
Accessible Polling Places & Support Services
For the 2025 election, approximately 7,000 polling places will be set up across the country, with:
43% fully wheelchair accessible
48% with assisted wheelchair access
Closer to election day, polling locations and their accessibility ratings will be available via the ‘Where to vote’ tool on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website: https://www.aec.gov.au/voting/ways_to_vote/
Assistive Technology
Auslan interpreters – Available virtually at every polling place via QR code.
Hearing loops & text-to-speech pens – Available in select polling places. Locations can be checked using the ‘Where to vote’ tool or by calling 13 23 26.
Making voting more accessible ensures that every eligible voter can have their say. If you or someone you know needs additional support, plan ahead and make use of the available resources.
This page describes the options available to help you cast your vote.
