NEW regulations will mean Victorians who have tested positive to 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 because of coronavirus to access electronic-assisted voting via phone.
The changes also allow for electronic assisted voting to be extended to voters affected by certain other emergency situations, where an emergency determination is made by the Victorian Electoral 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 made 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 began on August 20 with the recommendation of the Victorian Electoral Commissioner and replaced the Electoral Regulations 2012 before they expired on August 21.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is an independent statutory body that is responsible for the conduct of state elections in Victoria.
Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson, said the changes would give Victorians the ability to vote safely.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
For more information, head to vec.vic.gov.au. For phone inquiries, call 131 832.
The state election is on Saturday November 26.
