Penalties for not voting
Local government elections
The penalty for failing to vote is $55
Penalty notices
Under legislation we have to issue a penalty notice to an elector, who according to electoral records appeared to have failed to vote at an election or by-election.
The notice is sent to the enrolled address of the elector at the time of the close of rolls for that election. The notice provides options to:
- provide a claim you voted and details of where you did so
- submit your 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.
Reminder notices
If no reply or an insufficient reason for failing to vote is received, a reminder notice is issued.
Should the matter not be settled within 28 days of the reminder 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. Such action may lead to the non-renewal of your driver’s licence.
Electors who are overseas or interstate on election day
If you are interstate or overseas and cannot get to a polling place on election day, you will be excused for failing to vote. When you receive a penalty notice, explain that you were interstate or overseas and you will be excused.
Payment options
Phone 1800 242 509 or go to our online payment centre. You will need your VISA/Mastercard details and the penalty notice reference number, on the bottom centre of the front page.
Post your penalty notice including your VISA/Mastercard details, cheque or money order to:
NSW Electoral Commission
GPO Box 3715
Sydney NSW 2001
If payment is received without the penalty notice problems in identifying you and clearing your debt will result.
Fax your penalty notice including your VISA/Mastercard details to 02 9290 5991.
The flow chart provides an overview of what happens after you have received a penalty notice.
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