Thousands of aged care residents at risk of not being able to vote

There are concerns that thousands of aged care residents may miss out on voting at the March state election due to a change in way polling will occur.

Thousands of aged care residents across South Australia are at risk of not being able to vote in the state election, an independent MP and a peak union warn, because of a change in the way polling will occur this year.

Traditionally, election staff would visit aged care facilities across the state to hand out and collect voting slips, allowing elderly residents to have their say in their homes.

However, the Electoral Commission of SA has decided against the practice this election, due to concerns over the potential transmission of Covid-19.

The commission said in a statement that it is working with the aged care sector to deliver a safe election.

“We are finalising a number of Covid-safe polling options, and we will advise the public of these as soon as they are confirmed with relevant authorities,” it said.

However, Independent MP Sam Duluk said the move could result in thousands of aged care residents missing out on a vote.

Aged care residents may not be able to vote in this year’s state election.

Mr Duluk said residents may end up having to lodge a postal vote – the application process for which was “cumbersome and difficult for many” – or they may be forced to make their way to a polling booth.

“The aged care system is under so much strain at the moment and I think it is unfair to ask for nursing home staff to facilitate every resident to have a vote - This is a job for the electoral commission,” he said.

United Workers Union spokeswoman Kimberley Rowney agreed it would be hard for aged care staff to facilitate postal or in-person voting.

“People in aged care often need support in day to day activities, so supporting residents to vote is another thing on the list to do,” she said.

The state government declined to comment.

An Opposition spokesman said aged care facilities were in this position because the government “didn’t prepare before opening the borders and letting Covid-19 into SA”.