Failure to Vote

Voting at all State Government general elections, referenda and by-elections is compulsory.

Section 156 of the Electoral Act clearly establishes that it is every elector's duty to vote at any election for the region or district for which they are enrolled.

Electors who do not vote and are unable to provide a valid and sufficient reason for not doing so will typically be fined. The penalty for not voting is $20.00 for a first offence, and $50.00 if a previous offence has been recorded.

Electors who have failed to vote may either pay the fine, or elect to have the matter dealt with by a court.