General
Is It Illegal Not to Vote in Australia? The $20 Question Answered 🗳️🇦🇺
Here’s a classic Aussie civic pop quiz for you:
Is it illegal not to vote in Australia?
Short answer? Yes.
Slightly longer answer? Yes, and you might cop a $20 fine.
Now, let’s unpack why that is — and what really happens if you decide to give voting a miss.
🧐 Is Voting Really Compulsory in Australia?
Yep — since 1924, Australia has had compulsory voting laws.
That means if you’re 18 or older and enrolled, you’re legally required to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
- The law was introduced to boost turnout — and it worked.
- Before 1924, turnout was about 60%. After the law? Jumped to over 90%.
This makes Australia one of the few countries where voting isn’t just a right — it’s a civic duty.
🧾 What Happens If I Don’t Vote?
Great question. Here’s the breakdown:
- If you don’t vote and don’t have an excuse, expect a $20 penalty notice.
- The fine comes from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
You’ve then got 21 days to respond.
💬 Can I Just Ignore the Fine?
Technically, you can.
But it won’t end well — this isn’t a parking ticket you can brush under the rug.
If you ignore the $20 fine:
- It may increase to $50 or more if referred to court.
- You could end up with additional legal costs.
- In extreme cases, it could lead to a court summons.
In Victoria and other states, non-payment could even affect your licence renewal or credit.
🤔 What If I Have a Valid Excuse?
Good news — the AEC allows for valid reasons for not voting.
These include:
- Being seriously ill or in hospital
- Being overseas and unable to vote
- Experiencing a natural disaster
- Religious objections
- A valid work or emergency commitment
You’ll need to respond to the AEC with your excuse when you get the notice.
They’ll review it and let you know if it’s accepted.
📝 What Counts as a “Valid Excuse”?
Let’s break it down with a quiz-style Q&A:
Q: I was too busy. Is that valid?
A: Nope — not unless you’re a frontline worker or had an urgent, unexpected obligation.
Q: I was interstate. Valid?
A: Not really. You’re expected to vote early or via post.
Q: I forgot. Valid?
A: Sorry mate, that’s a no-go.
Q: I had COVID or was isolating. Valid?
A: Yep — just provide medical evidence or a declaration.
📈 How Many Aussies Actually Vote?
Let’s look at the real numbers.
According to the AEC, the turnout for the 2022 federal election was 91.9% — one of the highest globally.
Here’s what it looks like visually:
📊 Pie Chart: Voter Turnout in Australia
The pie chart above shows just how seriously Aussies take voting.
Only 8.1% skipped out — and most of them likely heard about it later!
😅 What If I Accidentally Miss Voting?
Mistakes happen, and the AEC knows that.
Here’s what to do if you missed voting:
- Wait for the penalty notice to arrive (usually 3–8 weeks).
- Follow the instructions — pay the $20 fine OR submit a written excuse.
- Don’t bin it — ignoring it only makes it worse.
- You can also appeal the fine if you think it’s unfair, via the AEC website:
👉 www.aec.gov.au
✈️ What If I’m Overseas?
If you’re living or travelling overseas, you can:
- Vote early at an embassy or consulate.
- Apply for a postal vote before election day.
- If you miss it entirely, just let the AEC know — they may accept your reason.
Many Aussies in London or Bali forget to check — don’t be that person.
🏛️ Can I Really Get in Legal Trouble?
Let’s be clear — you won’t go to jail for skipping one vote.
But you might face court if:
- You ignore multiple fines.
- You refuse to pay without a valid excuse.
- You fail to appear after being summoned.
In rare cases, people have faced legal costs in the hundreds — over a $20 fine!
🗳️ Why Do We Even Have Compulsory Voting?
Simple: it ensures that governments reflect the entire population, not just the loudest voices.
Benefits of compulsory voting:
- Increases fairness and representation
- Avoids voter suppression or manipulation
- Encourages political engagement
- Helps create stable governments
Love it or loathe it, the system has kept Australia’s democracy strong for a century.
😏 But What If I Just Don’t Care?
Even if politics isn’t your jam, you can still cast a blank or informal vote — it counts as attending.
- Rock up to the polling place
- Get your name ticked off
- Drop in a blank paper if you like
It’s legal, and you won’t be fined.
But let’s be real — if you’re there, why not scribble something with meaning?
📍 Voting in Melbourne, Perth and Beyond
Whether you’re in inner-city Melbourne or sunny Perth, voting is made super easy:
- Early voting centres open two weeks before election day.
- Postal voting is available for remote or busy workers.
- Election day is always on a Saturday, with democracy sausages galore.
In 2022, over 50% of Aussies voted early — because no one wants a sausage queue in the rain.
Final Word: It’s Just $20… But It’s Bigger Than That 🧠
Yes, the fine is only $20.
But the right to vote is worth a lot more.
Skipping out means skipping your say — on healthcare, education, taxes, and the future of your community.
So even if you hate politicians, or the thought of leaflets makes you cringe — show up.
Even if it’s just for the democracy snag.
Sources:
- Australian Electoral Commission – Compulsory Voting
- AEC 2022 Federal Election Turnout
- Parliament of Australia – Voting Laws
- ABC News: What Happens If You Don’t Vote?
