The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) says that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic it will take a “tailored” attitude to non-voters in recent Local Government elections and the Currumbin and Bundamba by-elections.
Electoral Commissioner, Pat Vidgen said the elections were held under challenging circumstances.
“The ECQ recognises that many electors who wanted to vote may not have voted due to a heightened anxiety about COVID-19,” Mr Vidgen said.
“While voting is compulsory, we understand the extraordinary circumstances around the March elections and have tailored our response to non-voters accordingly.”
He said the election data showed that around 270,000 Queensland electors were first-time non-voters in March.
“In recognition of the unprecedented circumstances of delivering the elections during an unfolding global pandemic, first-time non-voters will not be fined or receive a warning from the ECQ,” Mr Vidgen said.
“However, we remind electors that voting is compulsory and, with expanded voting options for the October State Election, concerns over COVID-19 won’t be considered a valid reason for not voting.”
He said that in coming weeks around 30,000 electors would receive a warning letter because they had missed voting in more than one election, including in March, and had not provided an excuse or responded to the ECQ.
“The approximately 20,000 electors who are repeat non-voters across multiple elections and have made no effort to engage with the ECQ, will be sent an ‘apparent failure to vote’ notice and be invited to explain their reason for not voting,” Mr Vidgen said.
“If they are unable to provide a valid reason, or do not engage with the ECQ, they will receive a fine.”
