Phone and postal voting in place for federal election
There are now more than 77,000 Victorians with Covid. But the virus won’t stop people voting. SEE HOW TO VOTE.
South East
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Emergency phone voting will be available for Victorians who test positive to Covid in election week.
The Australian Electoral Commission has spent the past six weeks developing systems to deal with the global pandemic during the federal election.
“We’re accounting for the pandemic in many aspects of election delivery, including options for Covid-19 positive voters in isolation,” Electoral Commissioner Tom 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.”
Postal votes applications are open until 6pm, Wednesday, May 16.
“Applications this late in the election period should only be submitted by voters who have no other voting option,” Mr Rogers said.
“This will primarily be people who test positive to COVID-19, haven’t voted yet and won’t be out of isolation until after election day.”
The AEC will release more details about how to access emergency phone voting once postal votes have closed.
In the meantime, we’ve got the answers to all your questions about voting during the pandemic below.
I’m in iso and won’t be out by May 21. How do I vote?
You can apply for a postal vote until 6pm, Wednesday, May 18. Online applications can be made here or here. Ballot papers must be completed and witnessed on or before election day.
Who can witness my postal vote?
Anyone with their name on the electoral role can authorise your vote, unless they are a political candidate for the 2022 federal election.
What do I do if I test positive on election day?
Voters who have missed the postal vote deadline and did not vote early can vote by phone. The AEC will provide more details once the postal vote deadline has passed. However, voters will have to provide proof of a positive PCR including the date and time of the test or a RAT test including serial number of the test. The test must also be registered with the Victorian Department of Health.
How do I access phone voting?
You will need to register via the AEC website, provide proof of a positive test and declare your eligibility. Phone voters will then be matched with the electoral role and checks conducted to ensure they have not already voted. Votes will be taken by people employed for the task, not an automated system.
Can I vote by phone if I’m a close contact?
No. Emergency voting is only available to those who test positive between postal vote closing at 6pm on May 18 and election day.
I’m not vaccinated, can I still go to a polling booth?
Yes. The AEC does not have the authority to ask voters, campaign volunteers or scrutineers about their vaccination status. However, polling officials employed by the commission do have to be vaccinated in order to work.
Do I have to wear a mask at a polling booth?
No. Masks are not requited but can be worn by voters.
Can I bring my own pencil or pen?
Yes. But pencils will be provided and sanitised after each use.
Is it OK to bring my kids with me when I vote?
The AEC is encouraging people to avoid bringing their children to polling booths in a bid to limit exposure and control numbers at voting centres.