Share this @internewscast.com

Australia’s 18 million eligible voters are doing much more than just picking their preferred candidate as they head out to vote in this year’s federal election — they’ll also be fulfilling a legal obligation.
Despite that, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) issued 1,268,907 failure-to-vote notices in the 2022 federal election.

Of those, 226 people were convicted by a court and fined.

With Google searches for “fine for not voting” up 1,000 per cent today, here’s everything you need to know about the voting rules.

Do I have to vote?

Yes, voting has been compulsory in Australia since 1924.
As a result, voter turnout surged from less than 60 per cent in the 1922 election to more than 91 per cent in 1925.

According to the law, eligible voters are required to go to a polling location, get their name checked off the certified list, obtain a ballot paper, proceed to a private voting booth, mark their choices, fold the ballot paper, and then place it in the ballot box.

You are required to enrol if you are 18 years of age or older, are an Australian citizen, and have lived at your current address for at least a month.

You will face a penalty unless you have “a valid and sufficient reason” for failing to do so.

What is the penalty for not voting?

You may have to pay what the AEC calls an “administrative penalty” fee — to be distinguished from a fine.

The amount is $20.

But if you fail to pay the fee and the matter proceeds to court, you could face a much larger penalty.

Are there valid reasons for not voting?

There isn’t an exhaustive list of excuses you can rely upon or even a clear definition of “valid and sufficient” in law.

It’s instead at the discretion of the AEC’s Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for each electorate to determine.

What if I tried to vote, but couldn’t?

While you still might receive a notice from the AEC, it permits you to provide details of the reasons why you were unable to vote.

The DRO will then consider the merits of your case and take into account any specific circumstances at the polling places within their division.
If the DRO is not satisfied that the reason you have provided is valid and sufficient, you will be notified by the AEC.

 For the latest from SBS News, and .
Visit the to access articles, podcasts and videos from SBS News, NITV and our teams covering more than 60 languages.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Australian Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton talks with an election official as he prepares to vote in his electorate in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, May 3, 2025.

‘It’s Worrying’: Focus Turns to Dutton’s Dickson Seat

Peter Dutton is well-acquainted with fighting tenaciously for his seat, and he…
'Not Labor red or Liberal blue': Tearful Albanese celebrates win with favourite prop

‘Albanese Celebrates Victory: Beyond Labor Red or Liberal Blue’

A tearful Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has celebrated his victory in the…

Australia Election 2025 Results: When Will the Next Prime Minister Be Announced?

The voting period for the 2025 federal election is drawing to a…

Peter Dutton Admits Accountability for Coalition’s Loss, Acknowledges Defeat

Peter Dutton has delivered his concession speech, flanked by his wife Kirilly…

Why Do Gen Zers Feel Alone?

This article discusses topics related to suicide and self-harm. Jayden Delbridge experienced…

2025 Federal Election: Australians Head to the Polls to Elect New Government

By Mikala Theocharous22:29 Opposition leader Peter Dutton also spoke to Weekend Today…

A Quick Guide to the Election Day Promises Made by Labor, Coalition, and Greens in Australia

Today marks election day, and Australians must ensure they cast their votes…

Trump Removes Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser Following ‘Signalgate’ Controversy

United States President Donald Trump has ousted his national security adviser Mike…

Explore the 2025 Federal Election Outcomes: Find Your Electorate with Our Interactive Map

Access up-to-the-minute election results for your local area with the SBS interactive…
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott arrives at the NSW Coroners Court for the Bondi Junction inquest.

How would you handle a crisis? These individuals confronted danger head-on

OPINION: Fight or flight is the built-in response we all have, but…

Australia Election 2025: Key Information You Need Before Casting Your Vote

Australians are set to head to the polls to elect the nation’s…
Trumpet of Patriots party leader Suellen Wrightson set her X account to private hours after the polls closed.

Patriots’ Leader Closes Social Media Following Conclusion of Campaign

Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots party is banking on success in the…