The provision of an impartial assisted voting service for the 2022 local government elections

Friday, 7 October 2022

Following discussions with representatives of Tasmanian blind and vision-impaired electors the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC), with the support of local councils, will be providing impartial assisted voting in each municipal area across Tasmania.

Additional information will be provided later in the week on the TEC website.

The process

At each of the 29 councils, a private and separate space will be provided for a professional, confidential and impartial voter assistance service. This space will be used by people who require assistance to vote.

The TEC will employ independent, professional experienced polling staff at each location to assist the voter with the voting process. In addition, COVID-safe measures will be in place, including the wearing of N95 masks by staff.

Electors can book a 30-minute period during designated days.

Voters using the service should bring with them their ballot pack delivered in the post. If the voter does not have their ballot pack, the staff member may assist them in applying for a supplementary ballot pack while they are at the council. Once the voting process is complete, the staff member can assist the voter to place their completed postal vote in the ballot box onsite.

If required, there is the option for voters to receive car-side assistance. This means the voter can remain in their vehicle and vote while in the car with assistance from the staff member.

Voters will be encouraged to go to the office of the council for which they vote. If this is not possible, they can go to a different council, but supplementary will not be available.

When is the service available?

The service is expected to run during the week commencing 17 October 2022 during each council’s office hours. It is expected that there will be at least one full day of this voting service at each council. TEC will be at the Beaconsfield Council Chambers on Tuesday 18th October 2022.

Booking the service

To book a time for assisted voting, voters can call the TEC phone system (Free call 1800 801 701) or send an e-mail to a designated e-mail address. This booking system will open from Monday 10 October. Information on the booking system will be available on the TEC and local council websites and via disability networks.

Accessible candidate statement booklets

Voters will also be strongly encouraged to have considered their voting preferences before arrival at the council office. The candidate statement booklets will be available on the TEC website in a more accessible format later in the week.

Andrew Hawkey Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner 6208 8712 0409 356 134