What if I didn't vote?

Voting has been compulsory in Victorian State elections since 1926. If you are enrolled to vote, then you must vote in all Federal, State and local council elections and statutory polls. If you are aged 70 or more, you are excused from voting in local council elections.

If you were required to vote at an election but did not, you will receive an 'apparent failure to vote' notice, asking for your explanation. You should wait until you receive this notice and reply in writing on the form provided. You must respond to this notice within 28 days of receiving it. If your explanation is accepted, you will be excused for not voting and no further action will be taken.

If you do not respond to the 'apparent failure to vote notice' within 28 days of receiving it, or if your explanation is deemed to be unsatisfactory, you will be sent an 'infringement notice'. This notice is accompanied by a request to pay a fine. You are required to pay the fine within 42 days of receiving the notice.

If you do not pay the fine, you will be issued with a 'penalty reminder notice' requesting that you pay the fine plus costs. You are required to respond to this notice within 42 days of receiving it.

If the fine is not received by the VEC within 42 days of the 'penalty notice' being sent, the outstanding infringement may be lodged with the Infringements Court.

For more information, please contact the VEC's compulsory voting team on 1300 551 575 during business hours.