Page 35 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19

AUSTRALIA 17

Blind and Low Vision

Blind Voters or those with low vision may cast their vote in secret by telephone from any location for
this by-election. Telephone voting is a simple two-step process, voters who are blind or have low vision
will be invited to register for a telephone vote by calling a dedicated number 1800 for this election. They
will not need to give their name when they vote using the telephone voting service. Their registration
number and pin will be used to mark their name off the electoral roll, ensuring the voter’s identity
remains secret.
Postal voting

Postal voting constitutes an important voting option available to eligible electors in this by- election..
It helps minimise contact and movement, and given the COVID-19 environment, it is expected that a
greater number of voters will fulfill the eligibility criteria under the legislation to apply for a postal vote.
Voting at polling places

If on arrival voters are not able to immediately enter the polling place, they will be required to queue outside
where social-distancing rules will be in place. Extra queue controllers that have been appropriately
trained in social-distancing rules and the traditional “six-metre rule” regarding campaigners will be
outside the polling place to ensure adherence to these important measures.
The number of voters entering a polling place will be counted at the door to limit the number of people
inside a polling place at any point of time. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the polling
place and at each ballot-paper issuing point and when exiting the polling place. Signage about hygiene
and social distancing will be prominent in the polling place for voters and staff.
Guidelines for Voters

A
A “sneeze shield” will be installed at all ballot-paper issuing points where “sneeze shield” will be installed at all ballot-paper issuing points where
possible, and issuing
possible, and issuing tables will be sprayed regularly with sanitizing tables will be sprayed regularly with sanitizing
spray throughout the day and whenever issuing staff are rotated. Voters ay throughout the day and whenever issuing staff are rotated. Voters
spr
will be encouraged to bring their own pencil or pen to the polling place be encouraged to bring their own pencil or pen to the polling place
will
but elect
but electors will also be offered a single-use pencil when handed their ors will also be offered a single-use pencil when handed their
ballot papers.
Voting screens will separated by a distance of 1.5 metres and the oting screens will separated by a distance of 1.5 metres and the
V
plas
plastic writing surface inserted into the voting screen will be regularly tic writing surface inserted into the voting screen will be regularly
cleaned with sanitizing spray throughout polling day.
AEC staff may wear surgical masks and will under no circumstances
share their bibs or lanyards with other staff. Bio-hazard bags will be
used for the disposal of surgical masks, gloves and cleaning cloth
waste.
Photo opportunities of the inside of a polling place will only be
allowed when there is a sufficiently low number of voters present
so social distancing can be maintained, and when the Officer-in-
Charge approves.