By-elections

The penalty for failing to vote in a State by-election is $25.

The penalty for failing to vote in a Local Council by-election is $55.

Electors who failed to vote at a by-election

You may have received a penalty notice sent to electors who failed to vote at a by-election. Payment or provision of reason for not voting must be made within 28 days of the issue date of the notice.

Online payment

You will need your VISA/Mastercard details and the penalty notice reference number which can be found on your penalty notice under the payment section.

Go to our online payment centre

Pay by phone

Please phone 1800 242 509. You will need your VISA/Mastercard details and the penalty notice reference number which can be found on your penalty notice under the payment section.

Pay by Bpay

Payments must be made through your online bank quoting the Biller Code 110239 and the reference number on your penalty notice which can be found on your penalty notice under the payment section.

Pay by mail

Please complete the payment section on your penalty notice and post to:

NSW Electoral Commission
GPO Box 3715
Sydney NSW 2001

Payment received without the penalty notice will result in problems in identifying you and clearing your debt. Part payment cannot be accepted.

Pay By fax

Please complete the payment section on your penalty notice and fax to 02 9290 5991.

Penalty notices

We are required by law to issue a penalty notice to an elector, who appears to have failed to vote at a by-election.
The notice is sent to the elector‘s enrolled address as at the time of the close of rolls for that election. The notice gives options to:

• provide a claim that you voted and details of where you voted
• give a reason in writing for not voting
• pay the penalty
• apply to have the matter heard in court.

You must reply within 28 days of the issue date of the notice.

State Debt Recovery Action

Should the matter not be settled within 28 days of the penalty notice, enforcement action may be taken. The State Debt Recovery Office may issue a penalty notice enforcement order under the Fines Act 1996 No 99. This may lead to the non-renewal of your driver’s licence.