Electoral Glossary

The descriptions of terms in this glossary are for quick reference only. This glossary is not to be substituted for the formal definitions found within the legislation. Refer to the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act).

Accessible Format; Information provided in ways that meet diverse needs, including Easy Read, large print, audio, captioned video, screen reader compatible digital content, and translated materials.

Accessibility; We work closely with our communities to make voting as accessible as possible. For example, in State Elections, every polling booth is assessed for disability access, and we prioritise choosing fully accessible venues wherever we can.

Standard Accessible Rankings for Polling Locations

 Fully accessible means that a person in a wheelchair can independently enter and exit the booth
  Assisted access means that a person in a wheelchair may not be able to independently enter and exit the booth, and assistance may be required. 
 No accessibillity options.

The State Election Hidden Disability Support (Sunflower Lanyard)    meant electoral officers aided electors in a discreet manner. Our Inclusive locations    were selected early voting centres in a pilot program designed to reduce barriers for people with hidden disabilities, as well as parents with children who need lower‑stimulus environments.

Active Participation; The ability for people with disability to engage independently and meaningfully in civic, community, workplace and democratic processes, including enrolling and voting.

Assistive Support; Practical assistance provided to enable a person with disability to participate fully, such as staff support, accessible voting tools, or Telephone Assisted Voting, while respecting voter independence and privacy.

Carer; A person who provides care or support to a person with disability, illness, mental ill health or ageing related needs.

Culturally Safe; An environment that is spiritually, socially and emotionally safe for people, where there is no assault, challenge or denial of identity, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Democracy; a way of governing where the people have a say in how things are run.

Disability; As defined under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA), disability may be physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive, neurological or psychosocial, and may be visible or non visible.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP); A strategic plan required under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA) that outlines how an organisation will improve access, inclusion and participation for people with disability.

Disability Engagement Advisory (DEA) Committee; A consultative body comprising disability organisations and advocates that provides advice to ECSA on accessibility, inclusion, service design and barriers to electoral participation.

Donkey Vote; 

Over time, the meaning of donkey vote shifted significantly. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the modern electoral meaning has been in use since 1955 and is defined as:

Easy Read; Information presented using plain language, short sentences, supportive images and clear layout to assist people with intellectual disability, cognitive impairment or low literacy.

Election; a special event where people vote to choose their representatives.

Elector; a person who can vote in an election

Hidden (Non visible) Disability; A disability that is not immediately apparent, such as autism, mental ill health, neurological conditions, sensory processing differences, chronic illness or learning disability.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program; A voluntary program that allows people with non visible disabilities to discreetly indicate they may need additional support, patience or understanding.

Inclusive Voting Centre / Inclusive Location; A voting location designed to reduce physical, sensory, cognitive or environmental barriers, for example through low sensory settings, clear signage, calm environments and trained staff.

Parliament; where elected representatives meet to discuss and make laws.

Preferential Voting; a way of voting where you rank your choices in order of preference.

Reasonable Adjustment; A change or modification that enables a person with disability to participate on an equal basis, provided it does not impose unjustifiable hardship (for example modified duties, flexible arrangements or alternative communication methods).

SECRET BALLOT; a way of voting where you write your choice down privately

Self Determination; The right of people with disability to make decisions about their own lives, including how they participate in voting, employment and community activities.

Telephone Assisted Voting (TAV); A voting method that allows eligible electors who are blind, vision impaired or unable to vote without assistance due to motor impairment to vote with support via a secure telephone process.

Voter Confidence; A voter’s trust and comfort in understanding the voting process, knowing what to expect, and feeling safe, respected and independent when participating in an election.

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