We want to ensure every older person is able to exercise their rights and participate in voting whether they are living at home or residential aged care homes. OPAN plays a role to ensure the rights and wellbeing of older Australians are a top priority in the Australian Parliament. Visit our publication page to read our position statements.
It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to enrol and vote in federal and state elections – there is no upper age limit. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) provides assistance and various options so everyone can participate. If you’re looking for information on how to vote in the referendum click here.
I live in a residential aged care home, how can I vote?
For the upcoming election in New South Wales (25 March 2023), some hospitals and aged care homes are appointed by the NSW Electoral Commissioner as “declared facilities” for election purposes – election officials may visit these facilities before election day to allow residents to vote in-person on site. Postal vote applications have been sent to aged care homes where in-person voting is not available.
Mum lives with dementia and will need support to vote. How can I assist her?
If voters need assistance when voting at a polling place, they can take a family member of friend to assist them or ask an election official. An election official can assist you to fill out your ballot paper and will keep your vote secret. Election officials can not tell you how to vote.
The NSW Electoral Commission has released an easy read guide for the 2023 state election.
The AEC also provides a range of ‘easy read guides’ for people who may have difficulty reading and understanding written information.
I live at home with limited mobility, what are my options to vote?
If you will be unable to travel to a polling place to vote election, you can apply for a postal vote. For information on how to apply for a postal vote in the upcoming NSW state election click here.
A voter with a disability or mobility restrictions may also be eligible to become a general postal voter and receive ballot papers in the mail for federal, state and local government elections.
To complete a postal vote, the voter may choose an assistant (such as a friend or family member) to help complete the ballot papers and envelope according to the voter’s instruction, but the voter must sign the envelope or make a mark as a signature.
If you wish to attend a polling place, a list of polling places will be made available on the AEC website. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. View accessibility information here for the NSW election.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
I use a mobility scooter, will I be able to vote in person?
Yes, voters with mobility scooters, wheelchairs or other mobility aides will be able to vote in person at pre-poll and polling places on polling day. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
Dad has a vision impairment; how can he vote in this election?
Voters who are blind or have low vision can still vote by visiting a pre poll, polling place on polling day or apply for a postal vote . Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
Voters who are blind or have low vision can also cast a vote in secret from any location, including their own homes using telephone voting. Further information on telephone voting in the upcoming NSW election is available here.
My grandfather lives with advanced dementia, can he be removed from the roll?
If your relative has dementia or any other severe cognitive impairment and they are no longer capable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting, you will need to complete the Objection claim that an elector should not be enrolled form to remove their name from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Once the form is completed please return it to the AEC.
I’ve recently moved into an aged care home, how do I update my enrolment?
If you have recently moved into an aged care home, you can update your details through the AEC website or by contacting 13 23 26.
Is there information available in other languages?
Information on how to enrol, vote and check the reliability of information is available in different languages on the AEC website here.
This page was updated on 3 March, 2023.
