ecsa.sa.gov.au Fine for Not Voting : Electoral Commission South Australia

Organisation : Electoral Commission South Australia
Facility : Fine for Not Voting
Applicable For : Non Voters
Country : Australia
Details : https://ecsa.sa.gov.au/voting/failure-to-vote

ECSA Fine for Not Voting

If you did not vote at a State election, or by-election, you must contact the Electoral Commission SA with your reason for not voting.

Related : ECSA Australia State Election 17th March 2018 : www.electionin.org/2811.html

Either :
** complete the email form on the contact us page and include your reason for not voting, or
** call us on 1300 655 232.

If you provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting you will be excused and avoid a fine. If you do not contact the Electoral Commission SA you will be sent a notice requesting a reason for not voting.

You can find out more about the non-voter process below.

Non-Voter Process

If you do not provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting, you will receive the following three notices in accordance with section 85 of the Electoral Act 1985.

First Notice : Apparent Failure to Vote
This notice is sent within three months following the election or by-election. It gives you the opportunity to provide the reason for your apparent failure to vote.

If your reason is accepted there is no further action. It is a legal requirement that you respond to this notice. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Second Notice : Expiation Notice – $70
This notice is sent if you do not respond to the first notice, or if the reason you provide for failing to vote is not regarded as valid.

If you pay the fine or provide a valid reason for not voting, there will be no further action. It is a legal requirement that you respond to this notice. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Third Notice: Expiation Reminder Notice – $121
This notice is sent to you because you failed to respond to the previous two notices.

If you pay the fine or provide a valid reason for not voting, there will be no further action. It is a legal requirement that you respond to this notice. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Note :
All fines and fees are subject to change. These fines incorporate a Victims of Crime Levy and other fees as per the Expiation of Offences Act 1996 .

Notice of Order of Enforcement :
After three notices have been issued, the Electoral Commission SA refers the matter to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit, if you:
** fail to pay the fine, or
** do not provide a valid reason for not voting.

The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit issues a Notice of Order of Enforcement, which carries significant financial penalties in addition to the current penalties.

How to Pay your Fine

If you have your expiation notice there are various ways that you can pay your fine prior to enforcement (overdue)
** cash
** credit card
** cheque
** money order through Australia Post Office
** over the phone
** in person
** apply for a payment arrangement with the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit

If you have lost or not received your expiation notice you must contact the Electoral Commission SA.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION SA
Level 6, 60 Light Square
Adelaide SA 5000
GPO Box 646
Adelaide SA 5001

Telephone :
1300 655 232 (within SA only)
+61 8 7424 7400

How to Pay your Overdue Fine

The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit has flexible options to pay your overdue fine.

What this means for fines owed in South Australia :
** Overdue fines can be paid online and over the phone, and in person at any Australia Post Office or Service SA Customer Service Centre.
** You can also apply for a Payment Arrangement to spread your payment over a longer period.

For those who evade paying their fines, escalating enforcement measures will be applied to recover the amounts owed. These enforcements include suspending driver’s licences, clamping and impounding vehicles, seizing and selling assets, and making deductions directly from a person’s bank account or salary.

Contact the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit on 1800 659 538 or visit Fines SA.