Landmark decision for voters who are blind or have low vision
10 March 2010
Australians take pride in being the first country in the world to introduce the secret ballot. Unfortunately, this democratic right has not been secret for all.
An announcement made by the Federal Government on 9 March is an initial step towards ensuring that people who are blind or have low vision will eventually have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote privately.
The changes to the Electoral Act were tabled in Parliament today in the Senate on behalf of the Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig. If the changes are passed, they will allow the Electoral Commissioner to determine the method of secret ballot.
"This is a historic day for members of the blindness community like me who have been campaigning for a method of voting that is both accessible and private for many years," said Vision Australia's Maryanne Diamond, current President of the World Blind Union.
"Since 1902, Australians who are blind have had to rely on friends, family or even strangers to exercise this basic democratic right. The Government's announcement is an encouraging sign and one that moves us closer towards giving people like me the dignity and independence we deserve, "she added.
If the changes are passed for the next election, voters who are blind or have low vision will have the option to attend an AEC divisional office where they can be connected to trained call centre operators to complete the ballot papers.
"While we welcome this initiative, Vision Australia still believes there is some way to go before Australians who are blind or have low vision can truly vote privately alongside their sighted peers. We see today's announcement as an encouraging step forward, " Ms Diamond added.