Reissued as a reminder. Original distributed on 17 March 2022.
Dementia Australia is calling on people living with dementia, their families, and carers to start the conversation now about voting in the Federal Election on 21 May 2022.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM reiterated that the capacity to vote and participate in democracy is decision specific.
"Every person living with dementia has the right to participate and vote," Ms McCabe said.
"It is important that people living with dementia, their families and carers have 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 Australian Electoral Commission provides a range of 'Easy read guides' which can assist people living with dementia in simple, clear language on the voting process.
If it is decided that someone is no longer capable of understanding the nature and significance of enrolment and voting, the appropriate form can be completed and submitted through the Australian Electoral Commission to remove them from the electoral roll. The medical certificate on the form must be completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner.
The electoral roll will close on 18 April 2022, so it is essential that these conversations are had now to allow enough time to submit any paperwork that is required.
For those impacted by dementia looking to get involved in our Federal Election campaign to ensure dementia remains a focus, please join Dementia Australia in asking all political parties and candidates to declare commitments to the delivery of quality dementia care in their election policy platforms.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education, and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
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