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Voting is a bad experience for some Victorians with a disability
11/04/2024
As part of its inquiry into the conduct of the 2022 Victorian state election, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, partnered by disability service provider Scope, surveyed Victorian voters with a disability. While 82 per cent of respondents said they had an ok, good or very good experience voting, 18 per cent rated their experience either bad or very bad.
Respondents reported several issues, including:
- a lack of support for people with mobility issues who do not use wheelchairs
- a need for improved accessibility at voting centres
- lack of recognition and support for those who have an invisible disability
- a need for more consideration for those with sensory issues
- an overall need for staff training and more easy-to-understand information.
NDS welcomes parliament’s attention on this issue. We are aware of a number of NDS members have actively supported people with disability to vote in past elections.
The Electoral Matters Committee, made up of politicians from all parties, examines the conduct of state and council elections in Victoria. Transcripts of the public hearing on 27 March last year and all submissions are on the Committee’s website.
The committee will report to the Parliament of Victoria with its recommendations by mid-year.