Rosemary Seam, National Older Persons Reference Group member
‘I know of someone whose family removed them from the electoral role because they thought it was an onerous responsibility for them,’ aged care resident and Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) National Older Persons Reference Group member Rosemary Seam says.
‘They were highly indignant; they wanted to badly to vote. I would be, too, if it happened to me.’
It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to enrol and vote in federal and state elections – there is no upper age limit. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) provides various options to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote can do so.
Aged-based discrimination isn’t reserved for the electoral role. OPAN is the national peak body for aged care advocacy. If you need information and support in relation to aged care, you can call our Aged Care Advocacy Line (ACAL) on 1800 700 600 or fill out the form. Our advocacy is free, independent and confidential.
I live in a residential aged care home, how can I vote?
For the upcoming federal election (03 May 2025), the AEC offers mobile voting services for those who are unable to leave hospital or residential aged care homes. Mobile polling teams will deliver voting services in communal areas or, where required for high-needs residents, as a bedside service. Postal vote applications have been sent to aged care homes where in-person voting is not available.
Mum lives with dementia and will need support to vote. How can I assist her?
If voters need assistance when voting at a polling place, they can take a family member of friend to assist them or ask an election official. An election official can assist you to fill out your ballot paper and will keep your vote secret. Election officials can not tell you how to vote.
The AEC also provides a range of ‘easy read guides’ for people who may have difficulty reading and understanding written information.
I live at home with limited mobility, what are my options to vote?
If you will be unable to travel to a polling place to vote, you can apply for a postal vote. Visit the AEC website for information on how to apply for a postal vote in the upcoming federal election
A voter with a disability or mobility restrictions may also be eligible to become a general postal voter and receive ballot papers in the mail for federal, state and local government elections.
To complete a postal vote, the voter may choose an assistant (such as a friend or family member) to help complete the ballot papers and envelope according to the voter’s instruction, but the voter must sign the envelope or make a mark as a signature.
If you wish to attend a polling place, a list of polling places will be made available on the AEC website. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
I use a mobility scooter, will I be able to vote in person?
Yes, voters with mobility scooters, wheelchairs or other mobility aides will be able to vote in person at pre-poll and polling places on polling day. Each polling place is given an accessibility rating to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
If you cannot get out of the car and the polling official in charge is satisfied that you cannot enter the polling place, someone may bring the ballot papers to you.
Dad has a vision impairment; how can he vote in this election?
Voters who are blind or have low vision can still vote by visiting a pre poll, polling place on polling day or apply for a postal vote . Election officials are also trained to assist people or you can nominate any person (other than a candidate) to assist.
Voters who are blind or have low vision can also cast a vote in secret from any location, including their own homes using telephone voting. View further information on telephone voting in the upcoming federal election.
My grandfather lives with advanced dementia, can he be removed from the roll?
If your relative has dementia or any other severe cognitive impairment and they are no longer capable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting, you will need to complete the Objection claim that an elector should not be enrolled form to remove their name from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Once the form is completed please return it to the AEC.
I’ve recently moved into an aged care home, how do I update my enrolment?
If you have recently moved into an aged care home, you can update your details through the AEC website or by contacting 13 23 26.
Is there information available in other languages?
Information on how to enrol, vote and check the reliability of information is available in different languages on the AEC website here.
This page was updated on 3 April 2025.
