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Queensland state election 31 January

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has called an early state election for Saturday 31 January.

Voters who are blind or have low vision will have a choice of two accessible voting options – electronic voting or telephone voting.

The introduction of accessible voting options represents a step closer to independent and secret voting for Queenslanders exactly 100 years after compulsory voting was introduced in the state.

Voting in the election through e-Assist

The new electronic system, known as e-Assist, was designed by the Electoral Commission Queensland to facilitate an independent and secret vote.

It is not necessary to register for e-Assist.

Do not forget to take your Voter Information Letter or identification to the selected pre-poll booth.

Upon your arrival at a selected pre-poll booth please let a polling official know that you are blind or have low vision as this option is only available for those who have vision impairment.

You will be directed to an audio-enabled computer and will receive audio prompts to help you place your vote.

Pre-poll booths offering e-Assist

Open from Monday 19 to Thursday 29 January between 9.00am and 5.00pm and on Friday 30 January between 9.00am and 6.00pm. All pre-poll booths are closed on Sunday 25 January.

Brisbane

  • CBD: Brisbane City Hall, Sandgate Room, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, 4000
  • Coorparoo: Vision Australia, 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo, 4151 (not open on weekends)

Bundaberg

  • 50 Woondooma Street, Bundaberg, 4670

Cairns

  • Cairns Showgrounds, Corner of Severin Street and Mulgrave Road, Cairns, 4870

Gold Coast

  • Burleigh: Fradgley Hall (above library building), Park Avenue (cnr Ocean Street), Burleigh Heads, 4220
  • Southport: Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson Street, Southport, 4215

Mackay

  • Mackay Showgrounds, 24 Milton Street, Mackay, 4740

Sunshine Coast

  • Maroochydore: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Road East, Maroochydore, 4558
  • Noosa: Noosa Christian Outreach Centre Hall, 202 Eumundi Noosa Road, Noosaville, 4566

Voting in the election by telephone

To vote by telephone, you must register with the Electorate Commission Queensland by calling 1300 912 782 from Monday 12 January to Friday 30 January 2015 between 9.00am and 5.00pm.

Please let the call centre operator know that you are blind or have low vision as this option is only available for those who have vision impairment.

You will be asked some questions and to nominate a 6-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you can easily remember.

The Commission will generate a unique identification number once you have been registered. You will be sent your unique identification number by either email, SMS, telephone call or post.

You will need your PIN and unique identification number to place your vote.

You can place your vote via telephone by calling 1300 912 782 and following the prompts. Telephone voting will take place between Monday 19 January and Saturday 31 January from 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Identification requirements

If you have received a Voter Information Letter from the Electoral Commission Queensland and you are voting in person at an official polling station, please take the letter with you. You do not need to take any other identification.

If you do not have a Voter Information Letter and you are voting in person at an official polling station, you will need to take one of the following Approved Proof of Identity documents:
  1. Current Australian passport.
  2. A recent document evidencing electoral enrolment.
  3. An identification card issued by the Commonwealth or State evidencing the person’s entitlement to a financial benefit for example a Commonwealth seniors health card, health care card, Medicare card, pensioner concession card or repatriation health card.
  4. An adult proof of age card issued by the State.
  5. A recent account or notice issued by a local government or a public utility provider for example a council rates notice, electricity account statement, gas account statement or water bill.
  6. A recent account statement, current account card or current credit card issued by a financial institution.
  7. A recent account statement issued by a carriage service provider as defined under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cwlth) for example a telephone bill or internet bill.
A recent notice of assessment issued under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cwlth).

If you are unable to provide Proof of Identity you will still be able to vote by completing a declaration of your details at the time of voting.

More information

We will continue to provide updates on the Queensland state election until the close of the election. 

Further information on “Blind and Low Vision Voting” can be found on the Electoral Commission Queensland website

If you need assistance or have a question regarding voting contact the ECQ's Voters' Helpline on 1300 881 665 from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday or email [email protected].   

Election. Election. Election