How to vote in the federal election you’ve got Covid

Caught Covid right before the federal election? Don’t worry – there are still ways to vote, including one Aussies have never used before.

With only days left until the federal election concludes, many Australians are looking forward to casting their ballots and collecting their democracy sausage on May 21.

But with the Covid pandemic still quietly raging around the country, how can Covid afflicted residents vote?

The 2022 federal election has seen a shift, with a massive upswing in postal votes and early voting.

The Australian Electoral Commission has already received more than 2.5 million postal vote applications for people who won’t vote on election day.

In addition, more than 314,000 Australians voted early on the first day of the pre-polls this year – more than triple the number of early voters prior to the pandemic.

Most Australians are expected to vote on Saturday, but for those with Covid, there are still ways to have their say. Picture: Brianne Makin

While the preference is for voters to show up to the polls on Saturday, Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said the AEC was focused on accommodating as many voters as possible.

“We’re accounting for the pandemic in many aspects of election delivery, including options for Covid-19 positive voters in isolation,” Mr Rogers said.

“If you test positive today, or in the next few days, you’ll be in isolation until after polls close on Saturday, and need to apply for a postal vote.”

We answer all your burning questions about voting during a pandemic.

What happens if I catch Covid in the next week?

You still need to vote in the federal election.

If you think you’re likely to still be in isolation on Saturday, you can apply for a postal vote and cast your ballot from home.

Alternatively, Covid-positive residents can vote over the phone in a new voting measure introduced in February.

Can I still vote by post?

Applications for postal votes close at 6pm on Wednesday, May 18, so there’s still time to apply to vote via the mail if you won’t be able to attend a polling booth.

So, I can vote over the phone?

Due to the pandemic, the AEC has changed voting laws to allow Australians who have tested positive for Covid to vote over the phone.

This is an emergency measure and residents will be required to provide proof of a positive PCR or Rapid Antigen Test to be eligible.

How does voting over the phone work?

After registering on the AEC website and providing proof of a Covid-positive result, residents will have to ensure they are eligible and have not previously voted. Residents will then be matched to the electoral roll.

Can I vote early over the phone if I’m in isolation?

Telephone voting will open when the applications for postal votes close at 6pm on Wednesday, May 18.

Covid-positive citizens will then be able to vote over the phone on Thursday May 19, Friday May 20, and Saturday May 21.

Can I vote online?

While the AEC has changed the voting laws to allow isolating residents to vote over the phone, voting online is still not permitted by law.

What happens if I’m not in my electorate on Saturday?

If you’re not able to be in the area where you usually live for the elections, you will need to go to an early voting centre in your area before you leave, or apply for a postal vote.