Australians are navigating some of the most stringent compulsory voting regulations worldwide, as they prepare to head to the polls for the federal election this weekend. Failing to vote could result in hefty fines, criminal records, and even court appearances.
On Saturday, all 17 million registered Australian voters must ensure their names are marked off the electoral roll at a polling station. Those who neglect this civic duty face an initial fine of $20, which could escalate to $220 if not paid promptly.
Australia stands among 16 nations that rigorously uphold compulsory voting laws, requiring every citizen aged 18 and over to participate in elections. Forgetting to vote is not considered an acceptable justification for absence.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) plays an active role in enforcing these laws. Any registered voter who fails to have their name checked off will initially receive a $20 penalty. However, ignoring this fine could lead to it swelling to $222, accompanied by a potential court summons.
More than 17.2 million Aussies are enrolled to vote in the election on Saturday May 21, with thousands already having their say in pre-polling centres (pictured, voters in Sydney in 2019)
WHAT WILL THE FINE COST ME?
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will hit anyone on the registry that has failed to get their name struck off with a $20 fine.
But if the penalty is left unpaid it can balloon up to a $222 fine and a court date.
Under Australia’s compulsory voting laws non-voters can even be prosecuted and receive a criminal conviction.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO VOTE?
In 2016 Darwin man Frank Bost refused to vote on principle and took his case to court.
He pleaded guilty to violating the Commonwealth Electoral Act and was ordered to pay $308 including a fine as well as the Australian Electoral Commission’s legal fees.
A similar thing happened in 2016 to Tasmanian woman Emma Louise Pearce.
Ms Pearce failed to vote at the 2016 federal election and was taken to court by Commonwealth prosecutors.
After telling the court she disagreed with the voting system she was hit with a $180 fine, legal costs, and a criminal conviction.
17.2 million are expected to turn out to booths across the country as Australians cast their Federal Election vote
The latest YouGov poll has predicted a landslide Labor victory over the Coalition (pictured, Opposition leader Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Scott Morrison)
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE IT TO VOTE?
There are certain caveats that can excuse people who are unable to vote on May 21, who can vote early either in person or post.
However, AEC commissioner Tom Rogers, said Australians should still consider elections as ‘in-person events’ that can unite the country every three years.
‘If you can vote on election day then that’s what you should do,’ Mr Rogers said.
‘However, if your circumstances might prevent you from doing that then you need to think about the early voting options available, and vote according to your circumstances.’
Forgetting to vote on Saturday is not a valid excuse (pictured, voters at a pre-polling centre in Sydney on Tuesday)
HOW DO I VOTE IF I HAVE COVID?
With Covid-19 measures meaning infected Australians have to isolate, some fear they won’t be able to cast their ballot, as applications for postal votes closed earlier in the week at 6pm on Wednesday.
An election rule change, however, means Australians in lockdowns will be able to vote over the phone.
Voters who test positive to Covid before 6pm on Friday night will be able to vote by calling the AEC, a measure traditionally reserved for the visually impaired or those living in Australian Antarctic territory.
‘Anyone who tests positive to COVID-19 between today and Saturday is eligible to vote by telephone,’ wrote the AEC on twitter on Friday.
Voters in isolation will have to prove a positive Covid test result from either a PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test, which will also have to be registered with the state or territory authority.
Voters will need to provide the date and time of their PCR test result or the serial number of their Rapid Antigen Test.
Prospective telephone voters will have to register on the AEC website before 4pm AEST on Saturday, May 21 and follow the steps to casting their vote.
Telephone voting lines will remain open to 6pm on the day.
Australia is one of only 16 countries that actively enforces mandatory voting (pictured, people queue to cast their vote at a centre in Homebush on Tuesday)
EXCUSES FOR NOT VOTING
‘Valid and sufficient reasons’ for not voting are assessed by the electoral officer for each division or Divisional Returning Officer (DRO).
Those stopped from voting by unpreventable natural events, sickness or accidents all can be assessed by the electorate’s DRO if a punter fails to lodge their ballot.
Over the years some have tried to argue they didn’t show up because there weren’t any candidates they wanted to vote for.
A man in 1974, from the seat of Rockhampton successfully claimed in a State election that he did ‘not consider that any of the candidates standing for the seat of Rockhampton are worthy of (his) vote.’ But his case was overturned in the Magistrate’s court on appeal and he was fined.
Anyone can contest the $20 administrative fee by responding to their DRO if they feel there was a valid reason they couldn’t vote.
However, the DRO may decide the non-voter’s reason is invalid and send another penalty notice and the non-voter must then pay that $20 sum.
If the sum isn’t paid their matter will likely be taken to court with further fines.
Millions of sausages will be sizzled over the weekend as helping hands fill polling-point air with the smell of banger sangers
Both Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison will anxiously await polling results on Saturday
