With Victoria heading to the polls on Saturday, November 28, 2026, Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco has spoken with Sven Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner at the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), about what voters need to know and, importantly, the accessible voting options available to Victorians who are blind or have low vision.
More than 4.7 million Victorians are expected to be on the electoral roll, making the election a significant logistical undertaking. For the VEC, preparations have been underway well in advance, including work to improve accessibility and provide voters with different ways to cast their ballot.
Key dates for Victorian voters
Victorians need to make sure their enrolment details are correct by 8pm on Tuesday, November 3, which this year falls on Melbourne Cup Day.
Early voting begins on Wednesday, November 18 and continues until Friday, November 27, excluding Sunday, November 22, ahead of Election Day on Saturday, November 28.
Early voting has become an increasingly important part of Victorian elections. Sven Bluemmel told Vision Australia Radio that around half of Victorian voters cast their ballot early at the 2022 state election, with the VEC preparing for the proportion to potentially be even higher this year.
To help accommodate demand, the VEC is expanding its early voting footprint across Victoria.
Accessible voting for people who are blind or have low vision
A major focus of Vision Australia Radio's conversation with Sven Bluemmel was how people who are blind or have low vision can vote independently and accessibly.
The VEC has confirmed a range of accessibility measures for the 2026 election. Voting centres will have options including accessible voting screens, magnifying sheets and large tactile pencils, while staff will be available to help voters who need assistance completing their vote. Every election venue is also audited for accessibility, with the VEC aiming to have at least one fully accessible voting centre in each district.
Voters are also welcome to attend with a carer or support person.
As Sven Bluemmel explained during the interview, VEC staff receive training to assist people with different accessibility requirements. Assistance can include help at the voting centre, access to seating where required and support completing ballot papers.
"We all have a vote and our democracy is at its strongest when every person can exercise that, regardless of the situation that they are personally in," Sven Bluemmel told Vision Australia Radio.
Voting by telephone
Telephone-assisted voting is another important option available to eligible Victorians.
The service is available to voters who are blind, have low vision or live with a motor impairment.
Sven Bluemmel explained that the process is designed to protect the secrecy of a person's vote. An eligible voter first registers and has their identity and eligibility confirmed before receiving a unique code. The voting process is then completed separately, meaning the person recording the ballot does not know the voter's identity.
For information about telephone-assisted voting, voters can contact the VEC on 13 57 23.
Braille and postal voting
Postal voting is also available for the election, with applications available through the VEC website or Australia Post outlets in Victoria.
During the Vision Australia Radio interview, Sven Bluemmel also discussed the availability of braille postal voting packs for voters who would prefer to complete their ballot using Braille.
Because braille ballot material cannot be provided at every voting centre within the election timetable, eligible voters wanting to use this option should organise a braille ballot pack in advance.
For advice on braille voting or other accessible voting options, contact the VEC on 13 18 32.
Low-sensory voting available across Victoria
Accessibility measures for the election extend beyond blindness and low vision.
Following trials during Victorian by-elections, the VEC is expanding its low-sensory voting option to all 88 Victorian districts. Low-sensory voting will be available on Tuesday, November 17 from 10am to 4pm.
These voting environments are designed particularly for people with sensory needs, including neurodivergent voters, and can feature dimmed lighting, reduced noise and more space.
The VEC will publish voting-centre locations and accessibility information from Wednesday, November 4.
Check information at the source
Sven Bluemmel also encouraged voters to be conscious of misinformation and disinformation during the election period, particularly when it comes to information about how, when and where people can vote.
For reliable information about the electoral process, voters should check directly with the Victorian Electoral Commission.
The VEC's website has been designed to support accessibility tools including screen readers, and information about the 2026 state election and voting options is available through the Victorian Electoral Commission website.
Key contacts
- Victorian Electoral Commission: 13 18 32
- Telephone-assisted voting: 13 57 23
- Website: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/
- Election Day: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Listen to the full interview
Hear Sven Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner at the Victorian Electoral Commission, speaking with Vision Australia Radio about the 2026 Victorian state election, accessible voting and what voters need to know ahead of Election Day.
