In fact according to the Australian Human Rights Commission a healthy democracy makes sure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process.

However, even though almost all Australians over 18 years old have the right - and the obligation - to vote, not all Australians enjoy that right as a practical matter.

That seems to be the case in Orange as volunteers were forced to lift a person in a wheelchair into the federal election voting centre on Moulder Street on Monday morning because the centre has limited access.

While witnesses said the process was straight forward that's hardly the point.

The centre was declared wheelchair inaccessible after it failed eight criteria on an inspection in February.

It's difficult to imagine that of all the building and locations in Orange not one of them was available but it appears that's the case.

Divisional returning officer Sandra Taylor said the team had looked at around four or five buildings offering a short-term lease but none of them were fully accessible and met other needs including providing parking.

Of course the staff at the centre were helpful and willing to assist would-be voters in any way they could.

Staff even offered to allow people to vote from inside their car with electoral officers bring the voting forms out to them.

At a time when we acknowledge the need for equality for everyone, it seems very strange to hear that people who use wheelchairs will not be given the same access as other people.

For people with a physically disability barriers can range from having no wheelchair ramps, to buildings without lifts, to shops without step-free access.

Going forward perhaps we should look at identifying a facility at an appropriate location that can be modified to allow for better access for all residents.

This facility can then be utalised at the next election to ensure that next time these members of our community aren't forced to rely on others to cast a vote.

While many of us rate Orange as an exceptionally well-resourced city to live in, at least some of us are denied access to some of these amenities due to the lack of appropriate modifications or planning.