Assistance to voters unable to enter polling place
156A Assistance to voters unable to enter polling place
This section applies if the OIC of a polling place is satisfied that a voter cannot enter the polling place because of a physical disability, illness, advanced pregnancy or another condition.
The voter may vote outside the polling place, but close to the polling place, and may be assisted in voting.
Before allowing the voter to vote outside the polling place, the OIC must—
tell any scrutineers at the polling place that the voter is to vote outside the polling place; and
allow, from the scrutineers present, 1 scrutineer for each candidate to be present when the voter votes.
The voter must—
mark the voter’s vote on the ballot paper in the OIC’s presence; and
fold the ballot paper to conceal the names of the candidates; and
give the ballot paper to the OIC.
If the voter is casting an ordinary vote, the OIC must ensure that the folded ballot paper is immediately returned to the polling place and put in the ballot box in the presence of the scrutineers (if any) who were present when the voter voted.
If the voter is casting a declaration vote, the OIC must—
in the presence of the voter, without unfolding the ballot paper, place the ballot paper in the envelope on which the voter has completed and signed the declaration and seal the envelope; and
place the envelope in a ballot box at the polling place.
This section is subject to section 156 (Assistance to voters).
This Act’s bill:Explanatory statement
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