Do you have a disability and have you had difficulties accessing a polling booth in your electorate or had issues in voting via telephone or by mail?

Physical Disability Australia
Blog
Mar 2022

Whether you’ve experienced issues voting remotely or in physically accessing polling stations (such as available disability parking, building access), availability of accessible polling booths for wheelchair users and those requiring other assistance (eg. Braille, Easy English, sensory requirements), PDA wants to hear from you.

With your help we hope to improve accessibility in Australian elections, so that people with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in the same way as everyone else.

In a democratic society, voting is something that is generally taken for granted. However, for an increasing number of people with physical disabilities, local accessibility to vote is not guaranteed.

Following the announcement of an election, a list of polling places are made available by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Within this list, each polling place is given a rating around accessibility to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions (i.e. wheelchair accessible, assisted wheelchair access, or not wheelchair accessible).

However, previously available statistics taken from this list showed that of the expected polling places outlined on the AEC website, as few as 3% of polling places will be fully accessible at the next Federal election.

These grossly inadequate numbers contravene the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 which states that electors are entitled to vote on election day at any polling place in their electorate.

So why should this inexcusably inadequate availability of accessible polling booths be tolerated?

Why should people with mobility disabilities be given no option but to travel (often long distances) outside of their local areas to vote or be compelled to vote outside polling stations or lodge their votes via post or telephone?

All Australians should be given the opportunity to engage in our democratic processes equally and with fair consideration.

We really want to hear about your personal experiences in voting at Australian elections (whether local, state or Federal) so that we can have a better understanding as to whether or not enough is being done to make our elections accessible.

We’ve put together a QUICK but IMPORTANT survey around this issue and encourage you all to participate, so that we can ensure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process.

Please go to the link below and take part in the survey BY 5PM AEDT MONDAY 14th MARCH 2022 and let’s make sure that everyone’s votes are counted at our upcoming elections.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JVYDNNG

Physical Disability Australia (PDA) is a national peak Disability Peoples Organisation run by and for people with physical disability, advocating for equal opportunity, inclusion and human rights across Australia. Established in 1995, PDA represents the voices and lived experiences of its members to influence policy, engage with government, and drive meaningful change, ensuring people with physical disability are respected, empowered and able to participate fully in all aspects of society.

Speak up. Get involved.

Whether you’re living with a disability, know someone who is, or simply believe in equal rights — your voice matters.

Join the Movement. Amplify Every Voice.

Together, we can break barriers and build a more inclusive world.

Do you have a disability and have you had difficulties accessing a polling booth in your electorate or had issues in voting via telephone or by mail?

Speak up. Get involved.

Join the Movement. Amplify Every Voice.

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