Can People Living with Dementia Vote in the 2022 Federal Election?

If you have a family member or friend living with dementia, it is important to understand if and how they can vote in the upcoming election.

If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia and are still capable of understanding the nature and significance of voting, they may be able to continue to vote. We recommend that you speak with your loved one and their doctor to gain a better understanding on their capacity to understand the voting process.

The AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) has provided a collection of Easy read guides for people who have trouble reading and understanding written information.

If your loved one has more advanced stages of dementia and they are no longer able to understand the importance of voting, you can complete the Objection claim that an elector should not be enrolled form to remove their name from the electoral roll.

The medical certificate on the form needs to be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner.

Once the form is completed, you will need to return it to the AEC.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said capacity to vote is decision specific.

“Every person living with dementia has the right to vote,” Ms McCabe said.

“It is important that people living with dementia, their families and carers start the conversation now along with their doctor to decide together whether they want to vote so their status on the electoral roll can be amended if needed.

“It may be that someone needs support to vote, for example, being reminded to attend their local polling place on the right date or helping them arrange a postal vote or to attend an early voting centre.”

The 2022 federal election will be held on Saturday 21 May.

Click here to find your nearest polling place