Submission to the NSW Government Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
14 August 2024
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is investigating how can we increase voter engagement and confidence in our electoral system and what reforms are needed to increase the participation of groups in our community that have lower enrolment and turnout rates.
The inquiry will also consider options for technology assisted voting that have been identified by the NSW Electoral Commission.
PWDA welcomed the opportunity to respond to these two questions, and we look forward to the selection and deployment of technology assisted voting. We will leave the matters of political donations, electoral funding and party governance to others for consideration.
However, we are keen to see all information that is provided about candidates standing for election made accessible to all voters.
The overarching theme of this submission is that elements of the voting process require reform to improve accessibility, engagement and access. By doing so, this will improve the accessibility, engagement and trust in the process, by people with disability.
We have provided examples and recommendations related to polling places, informed voters and improving access to voting for people with disability.
What reforms are needed to increase the participation of groups in our community that have lower enrolment and turnout rates?
This submission/response to request is organised into six parts, and a conclusion:
- Part 1 provides background
- Part 2 looks at polling places
- Part 3 looks at informed voters
- Part 4 looks at improving access
- Part 5 explains our CRPD rights
- Part 6 is a brief discussion
Summary of Recommendations
Polling places
Recommendation 1 – All electorates must work to ensure the majority of polling places are physically accessible to people who use mobility assistance devices
Recommendation 2 – All electorates should provide at least one polling place suitable for people who need a ‘low sensory’ environment free of extra noise, physical and visual intrusions
Recommendation 3 – All voting information (about the voting process, voting places, and candidates seeking election) should be provided in accessible formats at least 6 weeks in advance of the election
Informed voters
Recommendation 4 – Candidates for election must provide information about their policy positions in accessible formats 6 weeks prior to elections, and should provide contact information for voters need to engage with them in advance of election to inform themselves
Recommendation 5 – Assisted decision making resources should be provided to voters who need them
Improving access
Recommendation 6 – Accessible technology assisted voting options should be provided in polling places, by phone, and online for voters who cannot attend a polling place, or who need to avoid COVID-19 or other infection. This must be for the same duration as other voting types, and options must be provided for electors who are overseas
Recommendation 7 – All staff at polling places should receive inclusion training to improve how they communicate with, and provide assistance to, voters, and where possible this should be delivered by staff with disability