Accessible voting options - a key priority for upcoming by-elections
Monday 20 January 2025
For immediate release
The upcoming Super Saturday by-elections in Prahran and Werribee Districts will feature multiple accessible and inclusive voting options for enrolled voters.
Acting Electoral Commissioner, Dana Fleming, said the VEC was making every effort to make certain that all Victorian voters in these upcoming by-elections have their voices heard.
‘At the heart of all democracies is ensuring that every eligible voter can have their say,’ Ms Fleming said.
‘We have a range of accessible voting options designed to be inclusive and accessible whether it be via post, over the telephone or in a low sensory environment catering for neurodivergent voters.’
Low sensory voting for neurodivergent voters
For voters who find high sensory environments like voting centres challenging, there will be low sensory mobile voting sessions that cater for neurodivergent voters and their carers in Prahran and Werribee Districts on Tuesday 28 January from 10 am to 6 pm.
The sessions are designed to create a welcoming and calm environment away from the regular noise and stimulation of a voting centre. Neurodivergent voters and people with sensory needs are encouraged to attend. For venue details and more information call 131 832.
Telephone‑assisted voting
Voters who are blind, have low vision or have a physical disability and can’t vote without assistance, can vote by telephone. Telephone voting opens on Wednesday 29 January and closes at 6 pm on Saturday 8 February. To register, call 131 832 from Wednesday 29 January. Voting by telephone is secret and secure.
Postal voting
Voters who are unable to visit a low sensory mobile voting session or use telephone-assisted voting are encouraged to apply to vote by post, with applications closing at 6 pm on Wednesday 5 February.
Voters who have applied for a postal ballot pack must have their completed ballot paper in the mail before 6 pm on election day or hand-delivered to any voting centre in Prahran or Werribee District before the close of voting on Saturday 8 February.
Voting is compulsory for all electors who are on the roll for Prahran and Werribee District. To check your enrolment details, visit the VEC website.