By Holly McGuinness
New regulations have been implemented to allow Melton and Moorabool residents that test positive for COVID-19 on election day to vote over the phone in the upcoming November state election.
Those who are isolating in line with public health restrictions will have access to the electronic-assisted voting system.
The new regulations will also apply to voters who may be experiencing an emergency situation as determined by the Victorian Electoral Commissioner.
Voters who are classified as blind or with low vision and those that have a motor impairment will continue to have access to this service as well.
In addition to the phone voting system, the forms used to vote have had an update. They will now be simplified to plain English and unnecessary elements will be removed.
Minister for government services Danny Pearson said voters will still be able to vote at any centre in the state on voting day, at an early voting centre or applying to vote via post.
“These changes will ensure Victorians with COVID-19 who are doing the right thing by complying with public health restrictions and isolating are still able to cast their vote,” Minister Pearson said.
