Voting in South Australian elections is compulsory. If it appears you did not vote, the Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) is required by law to contact you.
At any stage you can provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting and the process will stop.
Keeping your enrolment details up to date, including your email address and mobile number, is the best way to receive reminders about upcoming elections.
Overview of the non-voter process
If you appear not to have voted, you may receive up to 3 notices under section 85 of the Electoral Act 1985 and the Expiation of Offences Act 1996.
If you do not respond or resolve the matter, it will be referred to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU).
Apparent failure to vote notice (First notice)
When it is sent:
Within 90 days after the election, to the address on the electoral roll at the close of rolls.
What you must do:
- Complete the form
- Have it witnessed (any adult can witness it)
- Return it by reply-paid post or scan and email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ensure it is received by ECSA by the due date
Important:
- Not responding to this notice is an offence.
- Reasons cannot be accepted or rejected over the phone.
- If you reason is accepted, no further action is required.
Expiation notice - $115 (Second notice)
You will receive this notice if you:
- Did not respond to the first notice, or
- Did not provide a valid and sufficient reason.
Fee breakdown:
- $10 expiation fee
- $105 Victims of Crime Levy
Your options:
- Pay the fine
- Enter into a payment arrangement
- Elect to be prosecuted (matters are dealt with in court)
- Apply for a review of the expiation notice
You may still provide a valid reason and stop the process.
Expiation reminder notice - $190 (Third notice)
If you fail to respond to the first 2 notices, you will receive a reminder notice.
Includes:
- Original fine
- $75 reminder fee
Your options:
- Pay the fine
- Enter a payment arrangement
- Elect to be prosecuted
- Apply for a review
You may still provide a valid reason at this stage.
Referral to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit
If, after 3 notices, you still:
- Have not paid the fine, and
- Have not provided a valid reason
... the matter will be referred to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU).
FERU may apply additional penalties and enforcement measures.
Possible enforcement actions include:
- Driver's licence suspension
- Salary or bank account deductions
- Clamping or impounding vehicles
- Seizing and selling assets
Contact the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit on 1800 659 538 or visit Fines SA.
How to pay your fine (before enforcement)
You will need your expiation notice, which includes your unique identification number.
Payment options:
- BPAY
- Credit card
- Over the phone
- In person
- Apply for a payment arrangement with FERU.
If you have misplaced your notice, contact ECSA.
Contact the Electoral Commission SA
Phone:
- 1300 655 232 (within SA)
- 08 7424 7400 (interstate)
- +61 8 7424 7400 (overseas)
Email:
Address:
Level 6, 60 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000 (Find us on the map using this link)
Postal:
Electoral Commission SA
GPO Box 2072
Adelaide SA 5001
(No stamp required)
Paying an overdue fine
Once FERU has taken over enforcement, ECSA cannot accept payments.
FERU payment options include:
- Online
- Telephone
- Australia Post
- Services SA Customer Service Centres
- Payment arrangements for longer-term repayment