Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced new measures to provide a legal framework for blind and vision impaired electors to cast a vote at the next federal election.
The Rudd Government will move amendments to the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Close of Rolls and Other Measures) Bill 2010 giving blind voters the legal option of casting a secret vote.
‘The government’s priority is to reform Australia’s electoral system to remove barriers that prevent people from casting their vote’, Senator Ludwig said.
These amendments will allow people who are blind or who have low vision to have the option of attending an AEC divisional office where they can be connected to two trained call centre operators to complete the ballot papers.
‘We need to make sure there are no unnecessary barriers preventing any Australian from exercising their right to vote’, said Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten.
For more information visit the Bill Shorten MP website (external link).