Victorians isolating because of Covid-19 will be able to vote via telephone in the November State election.
The new regulations will allow people subject to public health restrictions and isolating due to coronavirus to access electronic-assisted voting via phone.
“These changes will ensure Victorians with COVID-19 who are doing the right thing by complying with public health restrictions and isolating are still able to cast their vote,” said Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson.
“As always, Victorian voters will also have the option of voting at any voting centre in the state on election day, voting before election day at any early voting centre, or applying to vote by post.”
The changes also allow for electronic assisted voting to be extended to voters impacted by certain other emergency situations, where an emergency determination is made by the Victorian Electorial Commissioner.
Victorians who are already eligible for electronic assisted voting, such as voters who are blind or have low vision, or who have a motor impairment, will continue to have access to the service.
The Electoral Regulations 2022 also make other changes to improve Victoria’s electoral system.
Forms prescribed in the Electoral Regulations 2022 have been updated and simplified with information in plain English and unnecessary elements deleted.
The Electoral Regulations 2022 commence on 20 August with the recommendation of the Victorian Electoral Commissioner and will replace the Electoral Regulations 2012 before they expire on 21 August.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will provide further information about how people who are isolating can vote by phone after the regulations commence on Saturday, August 20 at vec.vic.gov.au. For phone inquiries, call 131 832.
The State election will be held on Saturday 26 November.
