31 Jul 2014

Disabled can vote from home

5:16 pm on 31 July 2014

The blind and other disabled people who cannot mark their ballot paper will be able to vote by phone in the general election on 20 September.

The Electoral Commission says it has developed a telephone dictation service in conjunction with the Blind Foundation and Blind Citizens New Zealand.

Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden said on Thursday that for the first time voters who are blind, partially blind or who have a physical disability which prevents them marking a ballot paper will be able to vote from home.

Mr Peden said the commission has again developed video resources for voters with learning disabilities and have dedicated information in New Zealand Sign Language.

Its aim is to ensure everyone gets the information they need in the way that best works for them, he said.