Telephone voting extended to flood affected voters
Friday 28 October 2022
For immediate release
The eligibility for telephone assisted voting in this year’s State election has been extended to people affected by recent floods in Victoria.
Voters in areas impacted by floods occurring on or after Thursday 13 October and who are unable to access a voting centre from Saturday 19 November to 6 pm on Saturday 26 November can call to 13 57 23 to both register and vote.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is continuing to monitor the disruptions caused by the floods and will consult with Emergency Management Victoria to identify the areas that will remain affected as election day approaches. The areas of Victoria that will be able to access the service will be published by the VEC in the coming weeks.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately reminds voters in flood affected areas to follow all directions from emergency services and not to travel to a voting centre if it is not safe, and reassures voters that telephone assisted voting is both secret and secure.
‘Voting by phone involves making 2 calls. In the first call, you will be registered and provided with a unique code. You will use this code in the second call to cast your vote, meaning you cannot be identified by the operator and ensuring the secrecy of the ballot.
‘The operator must take down your voting preferences exactly as described. They are observed by a second operator to ensure your wishes are adhered to.
‘Voters will need to make a declaration that they are residing in a place that has been impacted by the floods and are unable to travel to or access a voting centre.
More information and instructions on how to vote by telephone will be available on the VEC website, vec.vic.gov.au, from Tuesday 1 November.