Almost 28,000 Tasmanians are facing $41 fines for failing to vote in the state election.
Penalty notices are landing in letterboxes this week, adding up to more than $1.1 million in potential revenue.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission is sending out 27,889 notices to electors who appear to have skipped the compulsory poll without a valid excuse.
Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey said the commission recognised some people may have had genuine reasons for not turning up on polling day.
“Voting is compulsory, but we understand some electors may have had legitimate reasons why they could not vote,” he said.
“I strongly urge anyone who receives a notice to respond quickly, as penalties can escalate if ignored.”
Each $41 notice comes with a reply-paid envelope and a deadline of Monday, October 6.
Voters can avoid the fine by explaining why they did not vote or by providing details if they believe their vote was not properly recorded.
Under Tasmania’s Electoral Act 2004, voting is mandatory, with financial penalties applying to anyone who fails to take part without what the commission considers a valid and sufficient reason.
While the potential fine pool is more than $1.14 million, the amount actually collected is expected to be far less.
The commission did not issue failure to vote notices for the 2025 Legislative Council elections in Montgomery, Nelson and Pembroke.
