Dementia didn’t change the right to vote — Voice 2023

Key points:

• The Voice to Parliament referendum held on October 14, 2023, could change the Australian Constitution

• The Australian Government is not able to change what is included in the constitution without a referendum, as it is the overarching rulebook for the nation’s justice system

• If the majority of Australians were to vote ‘yes,’ First Nations peoples’ representatives could influence future policy regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Ahead of the Voice to Parliament referendum, Dementia Australia encouraged people with dementia, along with their families and caretakers to consider whether enrollment status changes were needed.

Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Maree McCabe AM acknowledged that the capacity to vote would depend on a case-by-case basis for someone with dementia and they may need to think about support — whether transport, a simple reminder or to be removed from the electoral roll.

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

“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,” Ms McCabe said.

Gwenda Darling, a dementia advocate for Dementia Australia who lives with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, said there were several ways that polling stations can assist people living with dementia when voting.

“Many people living with a dementia diagnosis continue to lead functional lives contributing to society,” Ms Darling said.

“Clear signage, a small suitably lit accessible area with timely assistance and consideration of noise levels would make a significant difference at polling stations.

“Patience of electoral staff is so important — it would be wonderful to have a staff member offer me a paper and pen and a quiet area if I need it while reminding me that the issue I am voting on is important for so many — including myself,” she said.

Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Jack Ellis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 and said the right to vote was important to him.

“Although dementia has affected some of my skills, I feel confident I understand the process and reason for the referendum and willingly wish to participate in the process,“ he said.

Dementia Australia listed a range of dates and times for webinar sessions, intended to inform people with dementia and their loved ones about the electoral and voting processes, from September through to October 3.

People on the electoral roll will be tasked with voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the following question on October 14, 2023:

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

i. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

ii. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

iii. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures

Some important considerations

If an elector could not understand the implications of their vote or what they were voting on due to dementia, a representative — such as a family member or caretaker, should obtain a medical certificate to confirm their status. The certificate must be sent to the Australian Electoral Commission along with a completed form regarding a change in enrollment status. In the same way that someone could not vote if they were deemed unfit to make decisions or understand the gravity of their choice, a representative or carer could not stand-in to vote on their behalf, even under the pretense that they knew how the person would have voted.

If you have recently moved into an aged care home, you can update your details through the AEC website or by contacting 13 23 26.

If someone living with dementia requires assistance at a voting centre or when in contact with the AEC, please call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 — operating 24/7, 365 days a year.