More than 15,400 Brimbank residents have been sent infringement notices for allegedly failing to vote in October’s council elections.
The Victorian Electoral Commission has issued 15,423 $78 fines to Brimbank residents who didn’t reply to initial apparent failure to vote notices or who “provided an invalid response”, a commission spokesman said.
Yet a number of people have contacted Star Weekly saying they did vote and responded to initial failure to vote notices by explaining their circumstances, yet their responses have been rejected.
Albion resident Chris Halliwell said he voted, so was surprised when he received correspondence from the commission saying it appeared he had not cast a ballot.
“How do you prove that you sent a letter in the mail when it’s not registered?” he asked.
“I didn’t really question it, I didn’t think there was much I could do. I could go to court and fight it, or just pay the fine. But then I’d have to take a day off work.”
Commission spokesman Lawson Fletcher said apparent failure to vote notices gave people a chance to explain their situation.
“So far, around 70 per cent of respondents to these notices have been excused, as they provided a sufficient excuse for not voting or information about how they did vote,” he said.
He advised people who felt they had been mistakenly fined to provide the commission with more information.
“The internal review process provides an avenue for you to explain why you did vote or provide a sufficient excuse for not voting,”
Mr Lawson said. “Our dedicated helpline on 1300 551 575 can provide further assistance and advice regarding your options.”
The VEC sent out 15,351 fine notices in Wyndham, 11,308 in Melton and 5903 in Hobsons Bay.
Voting in council elections for your principal place of residence is compulsory.
