South Australians with COVID-19, isolating at home or deemed a close contact will be able to vote this March 19, with the SA Electoral Commission announcing its plans for the upcoming state election.
SA Health PCR testing and RAT collection sites will double as a ballot collection site from Thursday, March 17 until election day, allowing those isolated under the current COVID restrictions to roll up and vote.
Those with COVID-19, deemed a close contact or showing signs of infection will collect a voting pack from one of the 22 nominated sites, with further details set to come. Voters will need to register online before heading to their site of choice.
It has been reported that Police Commissioner Grant Stevens will amend the direction in the Emergency Management Act to allow those isolating at home to leave in order to collect their ballot papers and vote.
The decision comes as concerns continued to arise regarding voting with COVID-19 as the state inches closer to the state election. The state election is to be held on March 19.
Electoral Commissioner, Mick Sherry, said the Electoral Commission has partnered with SA Health, SA Pathology, SAFECOM and SA Police to ensure all South Australians, including those in isolation, can vote safely and easily this state election.
“ECSA has been working in partnership with SA Health, SA Pathology, SAFECOM, and SA Police to ensure that we conduct a safe election in which everyone can take part. We have every confidence that South Australians can vote safely in the 2022 state election,” he said.
“Allowing PCR and RAT sites to double as voting pack collection points will allow South Australians who are in isolation or have COVID-19 the opportunity to safely cast their vote this state election.”
Electors being able to leave isolation to collect and post their ballot papers so they can exercise their right to vote will be part of the approved directions.
The Electoral Commission is also expecting many South Australians to vote early via early voting centres set up across the state and by post.
“We’ve increased the number of early voting centres across the state from 22 at the 2018 state election to 37 this state election,” Sherry said.
“This gives eligible voters greater access and time to safely cast their vote in the 12 days prior to the election from Monday, March 7 until Friday, March 18.
“We’re also anticipating a significant uptake in postal voting with the eligibility widened this election which we believe will reduce foot traffic on polling day.
“Our message to South Australians is to plan ahead this state election and, if eligible, apply for a postal vote in advance or attend an early voting centre to vote in-person.”
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please seek testing as soon as possible.
For more information on health advice and requirements for households, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing.
Find your nearest testing site at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDtesting
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