Election 2013: Where to vote in the Hunter? - ABC Online

It's been a long campaign and now comes the time to head to the ballot box.

But where can you cast your vote?

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has provided some helpful tips and answers to questions you may have about where, when and how to vote.

Where to vote?

The AEC has a complete list of voting locations in your area.

Australian Electoral Commission: Where can I vote?

When to vote?

Voting opens at 8am and continues to 6pm.

However the AEC suggests you check when your local polling place is open, as times may vary from place to place.

There's no one specific time that's better or worse than another to vote, so it really comes down to making sure you vote at the time and location that's most convenient to you.

There's typically a bit of a rush first thing in the morning when voting starts, and then again later in the day as the close of polls deadline approaches.

However the AEC expects traffic to be generally steady right throughout election day, with about one million votes being cast around the country every hour.

What do I need?

If you need glasses to help with reading then please bring them when you go to vote.

The AEC will provide magnifying sheets at polling places in those states where the large size of the Senate ballot could be an issue.

What if I need assistance?

For people for whom English is their second language, bilingual Voter Information Officers will be available on election day to assist voters in 24 electorates across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Voters who are blind or have low vision can also access a telephone voting service that enables them to cast a secret vote on or before election day.

People can register to use the blind or low vision telephone voting service anytime between now and 12pm (AEST) on polling day.

The AEC's online list of polling locations also indicates which ones are wheelchair accessible.

What if I have more questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance when you attend a polling place, just ask one of the AEC's polling officials.

If you make a mistake when marking your ballot papers, simply ask a polling official for a new ballot paper and start again.

For more information on where, when and how to vote, visit the AEC website or call 13 23 26.