Voters queue outside an Australian Electoral Commission early voting centre in Willetton in the Federal electorate of Tangney in Perth, Tuesday, 17 May, 2022.As the federal election campaign enters its final days, some Australians might be wondering how to cast their vote if they contract COVID-19 and can't attend a polling booth on Saturday.
The AEC says while people will be able to register online to vote via phone from 6.01pm on Wednesday, the service won't be available to take votes until Thursday."Telephone voting should only be a last resort. Prior to this date, voters who are isolating due to coronavirus can apply for a postal ballot," the commission said.
"People might receive a text message or an email if they've gone and registered their positive COVID-19 test with health authorities. And they'll provide any information they need," he said."That [first] call will be all about marking you off the electoral roll, and you will also be asked to choose a unique code for your second call," Mr Ekin-Smyth said.
The voter's name will not be put on the envelope or given to the phone operator, ensuring a secret ballot.
If the AEC now allow COVID-affected voters to cast a telephone vote, shouldn't this be also extended to remote communities, as well?
You can bet a good slice of the budget for which ever incoming government prevails... Will be dedicated to the commitment of military aspects. So when the elders, youth and disadvantaged ask for funding for programs... The government can state... We have nothing for you!
You are required in the constitution to vote if you are enrolled to vote, that outranks a temporary mandate.