Our right to vote is fundamental to our democracy
Everyone should have full and equal access to vote, as our right to vote is fundamental to our democracy.
Voting should be easy, but for many in our communities – it’s not.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities don’t always have access to polling places. Mobile polling teams don’t stay long enough, and without voting materials in First Nations languages or even local interpreters, many people miss out entirely.
People with disability face huge barriers. Polling booths aren’t always accessible, technology-assisted voting is limited, and many people don’t even know what support exists.
People in prison are often denied their right to vote. Many are legally entitled, but without enrolment support or mobile polling in prisons, they’re effectively shut out.
These barriers mean thousands of people are missing out on their democratic rights.
The Human Rights Law Centre’s submission to the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters inquiry into the 2022 federal election emphasised the need to fund upgrades to voting infrastructure to ensure full accessibility in line with universal design principles.
In addition, we recommend funding comprehensive outreach programs which are essential to increase awareness of accessible voting options for people with disability, coupled with the expansion of telephone-assisted voting, which would enable independent voting for people with vision impairment and other disabilities.
The Australian Electoral Commission should be properly funded to deploy mobile polling teams to correctional facilities, ensuring that all eligible people in prison can enrol and vote.
These mobile polling services should also be extended to other facilities like homeless shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, and other locations where eligible voters may face difficulties in accessing polling places.
Addressing these barriers is essential to fulfilling Australia’s obligations to guarantee the right to participate in public affairs without discrimination. By providing targeted funding to the AEC, the Federal Treasury can empower the Commission to strengthen the inclusiveness, integrity, and fairness of Australia’s democracy.
Democracy only works if everyone is included, because together, we make the future.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Cammeraygal, Darug, Wadawurrung, Turrbal and Jagera people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
WARNING: This site contains images or names of people who have passed away.