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Many Australians are aware that failing to vote in the federal election on Saturday will result in a fine, but few understand the exact amount they will be charged for not participating in the vote.
Here’s everything you need to know about the penalties for failing to vote correctly.
What is the penalty if you don’t vote in an election in Australia?
It is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18 to enrol and vote in the federal election on May 3.
Failure to do so may lead to a $20 administrative penalty.
If you don’t vote, you will receive a letter from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) with instructions on how to pay the $20 penalty.
If you think you had a “valid and sufficient reason” for not casting your vote, you can inform the AEC. The Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for your area will evaluate your explanation along with any given circumstances.
The DRO will decide if your excuse for not voting is acceptable. If it is deemed invalid, the AEC will inform you, and you will be required to pay the penalty.
Some valid and sufficient reasons for not voting on May 3 could include being too ill to make it to the polls, a natural disaster, or some other accident.
Can you go to jail for not voting in Australia?
No, you can not be jailed for failing to vote in an Australian election.
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Who is exempt from voting?
It’s compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over to enrol and vote.
Those who will not be able to make it to a polling place on May 3 can apply for a postal vote or cast their vote early.
Early voting commences two weeks before election day, on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
What is the penalty if you vote multiple times?
The penalty for multiple voting is much more severe than the penalty for not voting at all.
Australians who cast more than one vote in any election, by-election or referendum are committing a criminal offence under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.
If convicted, you may face fines up to 60 penalty units (up to $19,800), imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
After the election on May 3, the AEC will scan voter lists from polling places around the country to identify any cases where a voter has been marked off more than once.
The AEC then contacts those voters requesting further information about how many times they voted.
If a voter is found to have cast multiple votes, their case may be referred to the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to consider.
