Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What happens if I don't vote?

Answer:

Every elector who fails to vote at any State election (General Election or By-Election) without a valid and sufficient reason for such failure shall be guilty of an offence and fined accordingly. The penalty for first time offenders is $20, while it rises to $50 if an elector has previously paid a penalty or been convicted of this offence.

If you did not vote in an election you will receive in the mail, approximately 4-6 weeks after the election, a notice seeking an explanation for your apparent failure to vote.

If you realise that you do not have a satisfactory excuse you can pay the penalty and that will end the matter.

If you have an excuse that you believe is satisfactory you can write the excuse on the notice & return it to the Commission. Your excuse will be assessed & if found to be unsatisfactory you will receive another notice to that effect.

For more information refer to the Electoral Act 1907, or Failure to Vote

Back to FAQ page