Victorian voters who test positive for COVID-19 will still be able to vote in the upcoming State election following new regulations being adopted.
Announcing Electoral Regulations 2022, the Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson said the new rules would mean people in isolation would be able to vote via telephone in the November elections.
“The new regulations will allow people subject to public health restrictions and isolating due to coronavirus to access electronic-assisted voting via phone,” Mr Pearson said.
“The changes also allow for electronic assisted voting to be extended to voters impacted by certain other emergency situations, where an emergency determination is made by the Victorian Electorial Commissioner,” he said.
“Victorians who are already eligible for electronic assisted voting, such as voters who are blind or have low vision, or who have a motor impairment, will continue to have access to the service.”
Mr Pearson said the Electoral Regulations 2022, which replace the Electoral Regulations 2012, also made other changes to improve Victoria’s electoral system.
“Forms prescribed in the Electoral Regulations 2022 have been updated and simplified with information in plain English and unnecessary elements deleted,” the Minister said.
“The VEC will provide further information about how people who are isolating can vote by phone after the regulations commence on Saturday, August 20 at vec.vic.gov.au,” he said.
