Secure and private voting options for the sight impaired
One application for enrolment on both State and Federal electoral rolls
Early polling made more accessible
Electoral Affairs Minister Peter Collier has welcomed the passing of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2016, which will assist electors with disability and newly enrolled voters.
The Bill will enable sight-impaired and other electors with disability to vote unassisted, online in privacy and securely.
The Western Australian Electoral Commission has been given the flexibility to adapt technology that will enable these electors to have their votes securely recorded. The new system will be independently audited.
Mr Collier said that State and Federal enrolment procedures would be harmonised, so that the 170,000 new electors who had been directly enrolled for Saturday's Federal election would also be automatically placed on the State electoral roll.
"Previously these voters had to fill in another form, whereas newly enrolled voters or those changing address will now be automatically enrolled for both State and Federal elections," he said.
"At the 2013 State election, 150,000 WA electors voted early, and this trend is likely to increase. Electors at pre-poll centres will no longer be asked to give a reason for requesting an early vote."
The Minister said in 2017, electors would be able to vote using pens rather than pencils, bringing the State in line with Federal elections.
"Paperwork at post-election count centres will also be reduced as Party secretaries will also be able to appoint scrutineers," he said.
"These changes, which have been supported by both sides of politics, will enable more West Australians to exercise their vote in security and convenience and will give the WA Electoral Commission greater flexibility in the efficient conduct of future elections."
Fact File
170,000 new electors to be automatically placed on the State electoral roll
By the next State election on March 11, 2017, there may be 220,000 new electors
At the 2013 State election, pre-poll voting increased by 37% - 150,000 electors
Pre-polling will be made easier for an expected increase in 2017
Minister's office - 6552 6300
