ECSA sent out about 80,000 notices following the election to people who failed to vote, and while not voting might not feel like a big deal, our mandatory voting system is that you’ll be fined if you fail to do so.
The process is pretty straightforward, but the most important thing to know is make sure you respond to the notice – after your first notice the fine amount increases with every further notice.
Here’s what’ll happen:
First notice
If you didn’t vote in the State Election then you’ll receive an ‘apparent failure to vote notice’. This notice gives you the opportunity to explain why you didn’t vote. Legally you need to reply to this notice within 21 days and penalties may apply if you fail to do so.
There are always notices sent to people with valid reasons for not voting, like the 87 dead people who received notices following this election, so if you’ve got one of those or actually did vote you just need to let them know.
If your reason is accepted then that’s it – you don’t need to do anything else.
Second notice
If you don’t respond to the first notice or didn’t provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting then you’ll be sent an expiation notice.
The expiation amount is $102, made up of a $10 expiation fee for the offence, and $92 Victims of Crime Levy.
Legally you need to reply to this notice. If you pay this fine or provide a valid reason for not voting then there will be no further action.
Third notice
If you don’t respond to those notices a third notice will be sent and $67 will be added to the fine ($169 in total).
Legally you need to reply to this notice. If you pay this fine or provide a valid reason for not voting then there will be no further action.
Notice of Order Enforcement
After the third notice, if you have failed to pay the fine or provide a valid reason for not voting then ECSA will refer the matter to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit.
The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit issues a notice of order of enforcement, which carries significant financial penalties in addition to the current penalties.
