The Electoral Commission takes its role in the management of the democratic process seriously, and that elections are met fairly, honestly and within the law. This also means following up those people who didn't vote. We refer to this as the "non-voters" process.
It is important to know about upcoming elections in your area, as not knowing about an election is not a valid reason for failing to vote.
The best way to be informed about upcoming elections is to ensure to keep your details up to date. Providing a mobile number or email address will enable reminders about upcoming elections to be sent to you.
Below is an overview of our non-voters process
Non-voter process
If it appears you did not vote, you will receive the following 3 notices in accordance with section 85 of the Electoral Act 1985 and the Expiation of Offences Act 1996. The final stage is to refer the matter to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit.
Note: You can provide a valid and sufficient reason at any time and you will not proceed to the next stage of the process.
Apparent failure to vote notice (First notice)
This notice is sent within 90 days following the election. It gives you the opportunity to explain why you didn't vote, OR if in fact, you did vote. This notice (and all subsequent notices) will be sent to address on the electoral roll, at the Close of Rolls for the election
It is an offence not to respond to this notice.
If you receive an apparent failure to vote notice, follow the instructions on the letter i.e. complete all relevant sections, have it witnessed (it can be witnessed by anyone e.g. a family member, a friend, a colleague, a neighbour.) and return to us in the supplied reply-paid envelope or alternatively scan to PDF and email to
If your reason is accepted there is no further action.
Your response must be received by ECSA on or before the date indicated on the notice.
Important Note: your reason/s for not voting cannot be accepted / rejected over the phone. You must return the notice, via the methods mentioned above
Expiation notice $112 (Second notice)
You will receive an expiation notice if you do not respond to the apparent failure to vote notice, OR if you don't provide a valid and sufficient reason for not voting.
The expiation notice is issued under the Expiation of Offences Act.
The expiation amount is a $10 expiation fee for the offence and a $102 victims of crime levy.
Your options in dealing with the expiation notice are set out in the Expiation of Offences Act and are included on the reverse side of the expiation notice.
They are:
- Pay the fine
- Enter into a payment arrangement
- Elect to be prosecuted (which means having the matter dealt with by a court)
- Apply for a review of the expiation notice
You can provide a valid and sufficient reason at any time and you will not proceed to the next stage of the process.
Expiation reminder notice $185 (Third notice)
A reminder notice is issued if you fail to respond to the previous 2 notices. You will be required to pay the original fine plus a fee of $73.
Your options in dealing with the reminder notice are set out in the Expiation of Offences Act and are included on the reverse side of the notice.
They are:
- Pay the fine
- Enter into a payment arrangement
- Elect to be prosecuted (which means having the matter dealt with by a court)
- Apply for a review of the expiation notice
You can provide a valid and sufficient reason at any time and you will not proceed to the next stage of the process.
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.
Notice of order of enforcement
After 3 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
There are a few ways you can pay your fine prior to enforcement, these include:
- BPay
- credit card
- over the phone
- in person
- apply for a payment arrangement with the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit
You will need your expiation notice as it contains an identification number specific to you.
If you have misplaced your expiation notice, or would like to discuss your notice, please contact the Electoral Commission SA.
- Phone 1300 655 232 within SA only
- Phone 08 7424 7400 from interstate
- Phone +61 8 7424 7400 from overseas
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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)
Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit
Once your fine is enforced (overdue) you must contact the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit as the Electoral Commission SA can no longer accept payments.
How to pay your overdue fine
The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit has flexible options to pay your fine.
Overdue fines can be paid:
- online
- via telephone
- 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.
Where a matter is not dealt with, the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit will apply escalating enforcement measures to recover the amount owed. These enforcements may include:
- suspension of your driver's license
- deductions directly from your salary or bank account
- clamping and impounding vehicles
- seizing and selling assets
Contact the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit on 1800 659 538 or visit Fines SA.