The short answer

Accessible voting options in Australia

The Australian Electoral Commission provides a range of accessible voting options, including telephone voting for people who are blind or have low vision, mobile polling teams that visit residential aged care and some hospitals, assistance at polling places, postal voting and accessible information formats. The options available depend on your specific circumstances and the type of election. Start with the AEC disability access information and contact the AEC directly if your particular barrier is not covered by the standard pathways.

This guide explains the federal position first. State, territory and local elections can use different rules, dates and ballot systems, so the commission named on your election material is the final operational source.

The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.

Evidence review

Telephone voting for people who are blind or have low vision

Voters who are blind or have low vision can use the AEC's telephone voting service to cast a secret vote from any location in Australia. After registering for the service during an election period, you receive a registration number and a PIN. On voting day or during the early voting window, you call the dedicated phone service, provide your details, and an operator reads the ballot paper to you. You then mark your preferences by pressing numbers on the telephone keypad, without the operator knowing your choices.

The telephone voting system is designed so that no single person can connect your identity to your vote. The registration system and the voting system are separated. Telephone voting is available for both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is typically open during the same hours as early voting centres and on polling day itself.

Evidence review

Mobile polling teams for people in care and remote areas

The AEC sends mobile polling teams to visit many voters who cannot get to a polling place. Mobile teams visit most residential aged care homes, selected mental health facilities, certain homeless shelters, prisons and remote communities in Australia. The schedule for mobile polling is published before each federal election so that residents and staff know when the team will arrive.

Mobile polling is carried out during the election period, usually in the two weeks before polling day. The teams bring ballot papers for the relevant division and can assist voters who need help reading or marking the ballot. Senate ballot papers for mobile polling stops are usually restricted to the state or territory the facility is located in, which is important if residents are enrolled elsewhere.

Evidence review

Assistance at polling places

At any polling place, a voter who needs help to mark their ballot paper can bring a friend, family member or support person, or ask a polling official for assistance. Polling officials are trained to help voters with a disability, limited literacy, or language barriers. The person providing assistance must not influence how the voter marks the ballot and must keep the vote confidential.

Polling places are required to be wheelchair accessible, and the AEC publishes accessibility information for each venue before polling day. If a polling place is not physically accessible, voters can use curbside voting where a polling official brings a ballot paper to your vehicle. Auslan interpreters are not guaranteed at every polling place, but the AEC can arrange interpreter services on request if sufficient notice is given.

Evidence review

Postal voting as an access pathway

Postal voting is available to all eligible voters who apply, making it an important access option for people with mobility limitations, chronic illness, or caring responsibilities that prevent them from travelling to a polling place. You do not need to provide a medical certificate — self-declaration of your reason is sufficient. Postal vote applications open once an election is announced and close a few days before polling day.

Once your application is approved, the AEC mails you a postal voting pack containing ballot papers, instructions and a declaration envelope. You complete the ballot papers in your own time, sign the declaration, and return the envelope by mail or deliver it to a polling place or AEC office. Postal votes must be completed on or before polling day and received by the AEC within 13 days after the election.

Evidence review

Information in accessible formats and languages

The AEC produces election information in Easy Read English, Auslan video, large print, audio and braille formats, as well as in community languages. The official guide to the election, which explains how to vote, is available in over 30 languages. The AEC's accessible format request process allows you to receive voting information in the format that works for you.

During a federal election, the AEC also runs a dedicated disability information line. Voters can call to discuss individual access requirements and arrange specific support. The AEC's website meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and works with screen readers. If you need a format that is not listed, contact the AEC — they are required under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to make reasonable adjustments.

Evidence review

Limits and what accessible voting does not cover

Online or internet voting is not available for federal elections in Australia. The AEC has trialled electronic voting in the past but has not adopted it as a permanent option due to concerns about security, verifiability and cost. Accessible voting does not mean all barriers are eliminated — it means the AEC provides reasonable alternatives. If you cannot use any of the available options, the AEC may work with you individually to find a solution, but this is not guaranteed for every election.

The specific accessible voting services available can vary between a federal election, a by-election and a referendum. Referendums, for example, may not offer the same full suite of accessibility services as a general election. Always check the AEC website for the current election's accessibility page rather than assuming all options are always available.

Common questions

Before you rely on the answer

Can I use telephone voting if I have a physical disability but am not blind?

Telephone voting is currently available for voters who are blind or have low vision. If you have a physical disability that prevents you from marking a ballot paper independently, you may instead use postal voting, mobile polling, or vote with assistance at a polling place. The AEC can advise on the most suitable option for your specific situation.

Are all polling places wheelchair accessible?

The AEC aims to make all polling places wheelchair accessible, but in practice some locations — particularly in rural and remote areas — may have limited accessibility. The AEC publishes accessibility information for each polling place before polling day, including details on wheelchair access, parking and hearing loops. If your local polling place is inaccessible, you can use curbside voting or vote at an accessible early voting centre.

What if I cannot sign the postal vote declaration?

If you cannot sign the postal vote declaration, another person can complete and sign it on your behalf if you direct them to do so and they witness your mark. You should contact the AEC for the specific procedure and forms required, as the rules for unsigned or alternatively signed declarations are strict.

Source spine

Primary material used for this guide

Review trigger: Review when the AEC updates its accessible voting services, when the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 is amended regarding assisted voting, or when new voting technology such as electronic voting is trialled or adopted.

Archive note: Based on AEC voting options and accessibility guidance as at July 2026. Accessible voting services are reviewed and updated for each federal election cycle. Always check the AEC website for the most current accessibility information for an upcoming election.

Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.