Failure to vote
The Victorian Electoral Commission mail out failure to vote notices to those residents who are required to vote in Council elections and are not recorded as having voted at those elections.
What is an apparent failure to vote notice?
The apparent failure to vote notice is issued by the Victorian Electoral Commission, on behalf of the Council, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2020. The notice invites persons who were required to vote at the elections and who appear not to have voted to provide an explanation for why they failed to vote. They may also contest that they did, in fact, vote at the elections if they believe that are incorrectly recorded as not having voted.
The apparent failure to vote notice is not an infringement notice and does not attract a fine.
How do I provide my excuse for not voting?
A detailed explanation of why a person failed to vote at an election must be added to the form on the back of the apparent failure to vote notice. The entire, completed form must then be returned within 28 days of the date of the notice by:
- Mail: A reply paid envelope was provided with the notice
- Fax: Faxing both sides of the completed notice to (03) 9620 3489
- In person: Deliver to the Victorian Electoral Commission, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne
If the explanation is considered sufficient, no further action will be taken. If the reason is not considered sufficient or no response is received, an infringement notice may be issued to the person.
It is an offence to provide a false excuse for failing to vote at an election.
How to contact the VEC?
The VEC's compulsory voting enquiry line is available on 1300 551 575.