Thursday, 17 June 2010
Blind people finally receive a secret ballot
Graeme Innes, Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, today thanked the government and Opposition for working together to pass an amendment to the Electoral Act, which will ensure the 300,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision finally have a secret ballot in Federal Elections.
“I voted in secret for the first time in my life at the last election," said Commissioner Innes who is blind. “I can now look forward to being able to exercise the same rights as other voters in elections to come.
“A trial of electronic voting took place at the last Federal Election, but this amendment ensures an ongoing commitment to developing mechanisms to allow for secret ballots,” said Commissioner Innes.
Initially the changes will allow the Electoral Commissioner to determine the method of secret ballot. For the next election, this will mean that electors who are blind or have low vision will have the option of attending an Australian Electoral Commission divisional office where they can be connected to trained call centre operators for assistance in completion of the ballot papers.
It is expected that, over time, alternative means of ensuring secret ballots will be developed and implemented.
"I'm an Australian who is committed to participating in our democratic process,” said Commissioner Innes. “And it will be great to be able to participate in that process without someone having to fill out my ballot paper for me.”
Commissioner Innes particularly thanked Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig and the Coalition spokesman on Disabilities, Senator Mitch Fifield for their work on ensuring the passage of the amendment.
Media contacts: Brinsley Marlay – 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
