Thousands of COVID-positive Australians will now be able to vote in the federal election after an AEC backflip.

People who tested positive for COVID before 6pm on Tuesday and missed the window for postal voting were previously unable to vote.

Ben Fordham revealed the Electoral Commissioner had this morning approved a brief recommending government changes the regulation to allow COVID-positive people from last Friday onwards to use the telephone service.

Special Minister of State Ben Morton told Ben he will be signing the brief to put the rule in effect.

“But you have to prove and make sure this is for people who need it.”

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Earlier, Prime Minister Scott Morrison had told Ben the government would act on recommendations made by the AEC.

“If the Commissioner wishes to make recommendations, then the government would certainly act on those.”

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AEC’s Evan Ekin-Smyth told Ben they will rely on the government to make changes.

“I can’t guarantee that anything will change cause it’s not up to us, it’s up to the government.”

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Image: Getty