If there's one thing that takes the stress out of voting, it's getting to do it early.
But while early voters no longer need to provide a reason to front up before election day to cast their ballots, the process can still be stressful, especially for the neurodivergent community.
In a sign that this is truly a 2024 election, there is now a Low Sensory Voting centre for neurodivergent voters who might want a quieter, calmer environment to cast their early vote.
ACT Electoral Commissioner Damian Cantwell said the centre, which has low lighting, quiet spaces and pot plants, was a first for elections in Canberra.
And it's already proving a success - a haven for those who find the voting process anxious enough, even when attempting to skip the election day queues.
The centre, at Canberra Museum and Gallery on Civic Square, is right beside a regular pre-polling place, where Chief Minister Andrew Barr cast his early vote on Tuesday morning.
The idea for a low sensory space came about through consultation with a committee - whose name had been changed from Disability Advisory Group to the Accessibility Advisory Group.
"It became evident that we benefit from having such a low sensory voting centre available to those electors who have particular requirements best served by something [like this]," Mr Cantwell said.
"It's quite a more relaxed experience, less people, natural light, more space between the booths, an area where, if they feel a little bit pressured, they can sit and wait or get their thoughts if they wish, in waiting areas and the like."
Polling staff have also been selected for their experience and skills in managing the needs of people with neurodiverse backgrounds.
Mr Cantwell said the new centre was a welcome sign of the times "in the context of broader issues around society's greater awareness, and understanding of mental health issues and wellbeing".
But it was amazing that it had taken so long.
"It's one of those things where, while we've now got it in place, we're probably asking ourselves, why didn't we have this before?" he said.
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"The community is what it is, it's important that we're able to adjust to voter demands or requirements.
"And if I can do anything to encourage people to get out and vote to execute their democratic right and take part in this process, then I'll do that."
But he reiterated that while the centre was designated for those who required a quiet place to vote, there would be no need to provide any proof of such need at the door.
"Of course, if someone turned up there now and wanted to vote, we of course admit them - we don't ask someone to demonstrate how they might be entitled to such a service," he said.
"It's just a voting centre, but it particularly caters for those who have particular requirements. And if it was becoming overwhelmed - if it was as busy as, for example, the CMAG booth next door, or one of our busy centres, then, we'd try to reinforce messaging around low sensory voting."
And there was still room to improve for future elections; Mr Cantwell has already been made aware that parking is often an issue in Civic, and that more such centres would be welcome across the city.
