Home > 1.3.2.1 Ballots and election material > AUSTRIA - Federal Law on National Council Elections (Regulations on National Council Elections 1992 – NRWO)
 
 
 
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§ 66
 

Exercising the right to vote in person


(1) Voting has to be done in person; the elections authorities have to supply ballot paper templates in order to make it possible for the voters who are blind or hard of hearing to cast their vote autonomously. Physically or mentally handicapped voters or those with visual or auditory difficulties can be assisted in the casting of their vote by a person chosen and confirmed by them to the returning officer. Except in the cases described above only one person should enter the polling booth at any one time.


(2) Voters who are unable to fill in an official ballot paper without the help of another person are considered to be handicapped or having visual or auditory difficulties.


(3) In the case of doubt, the elections authority shall decide on the permissibility of using an accompanying person. Every vote cast with the assistance of an accompanying person is to be entered into the record.


(4) Any person who pretends to be blind, hard of hearing or otherwise handicapped commits a violation of the official regulations and will be punished by the district administrative authority by a fine of up to 218 euros in default of payment with a prison sentence of up to two weeks.


(5) Further regulations concerning the casting of a vote by patients in hospitals or nursing homes are set out in § 72.