Most Australians know they’ll cop a fine if they don’t vote in the federal election on May 3, but few realise there’s a much harsher penalty for those who vote more than once.
Here’s everything you need to know about the penalties for failing to vote correctly in the upcoming election.
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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 believe you had a ”valid and sufficient reason” for not voting, you can advise the AEC and its Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for your electorate will review your reason along with any specific circumstances.
The DRO will then determine if your reason for not voting is valid and sufficient. If it is not, you will be notified by the AEC and required to pay the fine.
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.
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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 ma be referred to the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to consider.
