“The Electoral Commission has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation and working with the Department for Health and Wellbeing (SA Health) on how they can deliver a safe and appropriate voting service,” the communique said.
“Being admitted to hospital will be a valid and sufficient reason for not voting and no fine will be incurred for patients in hospital at this time.”
ECSA has previouxjmtzywsly provided voting services for ambulant patients who are unexpectedly admitted to hospital and who wish to vote.
In its communique, SA Health said the decision not to offer hospital voting this election was made following health advice.
“We had early discussions with the Electoral Commission of South Australia regarding mobile polling at hospitals before ECSA made the decision to not proceed with this voting option,” a spokesperson from SA Health said.
