Information for voters with disabilities
General information
Voters with disabilities can either vote on election day, in advance, or cast a special declaration vote from home.
Voters who are unable to mark their ballot paper because of a disability are entitled to nominate a person to do this for them.
For the 2008 general election the Chief Electoral Office will produce information about the voting process in different formats for people with disabilities.
For the 2005 general election resources included:
- 2005 General Election information in New Zealand sign language:
Information about voting, including enrolling, using the EasyVote card, voting in advance, voting on election day and election night results are presented in sign language, audio and captions. - Information in Braille, audio cassette and large print.
Improving access to voting for disabled people - action plan
In preparation for the 2008 general election disability groups were consulted and an action plan, Access ’08, developed to improve accessibility.
The consultation confirmed three priority areas for improvement:
- the content and format of electoral information
- the subsequent distribution of this information
- physical access and assistance at polling places.
Relevant Resources
Voting in the 2005 general election - the easy way! (html version)
Voting in the 2005 general election - the easy way!