SOME people may have trouble if they want to cast an early vote in the upcoming state election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bathurst early voting centre opened at 96 Bentinck Street this week, however the building itself is not fully accessible.
The NSW Electoral Commission lists the site as having "assisted access", while nearby pre-polling facilities in Lithgow and Oberon are referred to as "fully wheelchair accessible".
Bathurst Regional Access Committee (BRAC) chairman Bob Triming said the size of the doorway, when the door is open, is not wide enough for all mobility aids.
While his wheelchair can just fit, people with less experience and ability in using mobility aids may struggle.
"Not everyone is as capable of manoeuvring through tight spaces as I am," Mr Triming said. "A lot of people with wheelchairs can get through a door, but a narrow door takes a lot of care."
He questioned why the site of the last election in Bathurst, the 2017 local government election, wasn't utilised when it is still vacant.
The former Clancy Motors site has wide doors, plenty of parking available and still has lines in place from the last election.
Mr Triming said that some people with disability prefer to pre-poll and it was disappointing that they didn't have a fully accessible building to use.
"I know my preference is not to line up in a big crowd," he said.
"Manoeuvring a chair in the crowds that line up for polling booths ... it's extremely difficult.
"I think most people would prefer to pre-poll where there is less people."
Mr Triming understands that people with disability can alert staff and someone will come outside to assist them with voting.
"I think it is fantastic, the assistance they give, but it still doesn't get away from the fact that a better site could have been chosen," he said.
The Electoral Commission said, between elections, it reviews the location of voting centres in line with previous usage and expected future demand.
A decision to no longer use a voting centre may be made for a variety of reasons, including low voter turnout at previous elections, availability of the venue and accessibility for voters.
Other voting options are available for people with a disability, including iVote internet and telephone voting and postal voting.
BRAC has recommended iVote to its members.
Pre-polling had been popular in Bathurst, with election manager Stuart Evennet saying voting numbers are close to the projected figures.
Of the 57,000 registered voters in the Bathurst electorate, about 19,000 people are expected to vote early.
