CLOSE to 530,000 Victorians, including 2365 enrolled votes in the Mitchell Shire Council who failed to vote in the October 2024 local council elections will have an opportunity to explain why when they receive an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ in the coming days.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) urged locals who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation, as the VEC is required to issue a fine of $99 if a person fails to respond in writing within 28 days.
“An ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ is not a fine—it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have voted,” he said.
“If you respond to the notice in writing with a valid reason and evidence, you are much more likely to be excused.
“Completing and sending the notice back to us within the 28-day time frame gives us a chance to consider your explanation and whether you can be excused.”
Voting in local council elections is compulsory in Victoria if you are enrolled to vote.
Voters are encouraged to sign up to VEC VoterAlert to receive reminders about future state and local council elections at www.vec.vic.gov.au/VoterAlert.
