Perth Voting Bylaws and Accessible Voting Services
Perth, Western Australia voters have access to a range of assisted voting services for federal, state and local elections. This guide explains who provides assistance, how to request it, what rules apply at polling places in Perth, and where to report accessibility problems or offences. Local council elections and many polling-place arrangements in Perth are administered by the Western Australian Electoral Commission or the Australian Electoral Commission depending on the election type, and the City of Perth manages venue access for council facilities where polling occurs.
Accessible voting services
Electoral authorities typically offer services such as assisted voting by a companion, mobile polling to reach voters with limited mobility, Auslan and interpreter assistance by arrangement, tactile or enlarged ballot material, and attendance allowances where authorised. Availability and booking procedures vary by election type and by polling place. Ask early for assistance to allow time to arrange Auslan, mobile polling or special materials.
Penalties & Enforcement
Who enforces rules: offences connected to voting, fraudulent voting or interference at polling places are investigated and enforced by the relevant electoral commission for the election type, and offences at polling venues may involve local council security and police. For state and local elections, enforcement is handled by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.[1]
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: electoral authorities may apply orders, refer matters for prosecution, and seek court remedies; specific non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints about polling-place accessibility or alleged electoral offences should be directed to the electoral commission that ran the election and, for venue access issues on City of Perth property, to the City of Perth facilities contact listed below.
Appeals, reviews and time limits
Appeal and review routes for electoral decisions are set by the relevant electoral law and the administering commission; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the commission handling the election.[1]
Defences and discretion
Electoral officers and returning officers may exercise discretion for reasonable excuses related to voting attendance and may authorise assisted voting where permitted by electoral rules; specific statutory defences are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Attempting to vote multiple times - penalty: not specified on the cited page.
- Interfering with voters at a polling place - penalty: not specified on the cited page.
- Failing to provide required accessibility arrangements at a designated polling venue - enforcement: complaints to the electoral commission and local council.
Applications & Forms
How to request assistance: each electoral commission publishes procedures and, where available, online or downloadable forms to book assisted voting, Auslan or mobile polling for an election. For federal accessibility services see the Australian Electoral Commission guidance and booking pages.[2]
If a specific form number, fee or deadline is required for an upcoming election, check the administering commission's event page for that election; if no form is published, there is no separate form required beyond contacting the commission.
Action steps
- Check which authority runs the election (WAEC for state/local or AEC for federal) and review their accessibility page.
- Contact the electoral office early to request Auslan, tactile materials or mobile polling.
- Bring identification and any documentation requested by the electoral commission when attending to vote.
- Report accessibility issues at a polling venue to the City of Perth facilities contact if the venue is council-managed.[3]
FAQ
- How do I arrange assisted or mobile voting in Perth?
- Contact the electoral commission running the election to request assisted voting or mobile polling; follow their booking process and provide any requested information in advance.
- Can I bring a carer or companion into the polling booth?
- Yes, electoral rules permit a voter to be assisted by a companion where authorised by the returning officer or the electoral commission's procedures.
- Who do I contact if a polling place in Perth is not accessible?
- Report accessibility issues firstly to the electoral officials at the polling place and then to the administering commission; for venue repairs or permanent access problems, contact the City of Perth facilities team.
How-To
- Identify the election type (federal, state or local) and the administering commission.
- Visit the commission's accessibility or assisted voting page to check available services and any forms to complete.
- Contact the commission by phone or email to book Auslan, tactile materials or mobile polling well before election day.
- Attend the polling place with any supporting documents and the details of your booking, or arrange mobile polling as directed by the commission.
Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead and contact the electoral commission early to secure assistance.
- Report accessibility or venue problems immediately to electoral staff and to City of Perth where relevant.
Help and Support / Resources
- Western Australian Electoral Commission - Voter information and contacts
- Australian Electoral Commission - Accessibility and assisted voting
- City of Perth - Council and venue contacts