Dementia Australia is calling on people living with dementia, their families, and carers to start the conversation now about voting in the Federal Election on 21 May.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said the capacity to vote and participate in democracy is decision specific.
“Every person living with dementia has the right to participate and vote,” Ms McCabe said.
“It is important that people living with dementia, their families and carers have the conversation now along with their doctor to decide together whether they want to vote so their status on the electoral roll can be amended if needed.
“It may be that someone needs support to vote, for example, being reminded to attend their local polling place on the right date or helping them arrange a postal vote or to attend an early voting centre,” she said.
The Australian Electoral Commission provides a range of ‘Easy read guides’ which can assist people living with dementia in simple, clear language on the voting process.
If it is decided that someone is no longer capable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting, the appropriate form can be completed and submitted through the Australian Electoral Commission to remove them from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available, and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
