Nearly 230,000 West Australians to pay fine or explain why they did not vote in Indigenous Voice referendum

Nearly 230,000 West Australians who didn’t vote in the Indigenous Voice referendum will receive letters from the Australian Electoral Commission asking them to explain themselves or pay a fine. The West Australian has obtained data that shows 1.8 million people in WA were enrolled to vote, but 228,250 of those didn’t participate in pre-polling, postal votes or voting on referendum day on October 14. While nationwide, more than 17.6 million Australians registered to cast their vote, but only 15.8 million did — meaning almost 1.8 million will be receiving a non-voter notice in the post within three months of the referendum. The notice gives people the option to pay a $20 penalty or to provide a valid reason for not casting a vote. If a valid reason is not provided and a fine is not paid, the matter can be taken to court. At that point, the penalty increases, and people may also have to pay court costs. “Apparent non-voter notices for the referendum will be sent to people in the coming months,” AEC digital engagement director Evan Ekin-Smyth told The West. “People can provide a valid reason for not voting when they receive a non-voter notice, and that will be assessed. “If someone doesn’t provide a valid reason or pay the fine, it can go to court for prosecution. This can result in the fine becoming equivalent to 1 penalty unit, costs being awarded and a criminal record.” Mr Ekin-Smyth said voter turnout for the referendum was similar to what the commission saw in the Federal election last year. “Turnout is measured against enrolment,” he said. “Given enrolment was higher for the 2023 referendum (97.7 per cent compared to 96.8 per cent in the election), there was a greater proportion of eligible Australians who cast a vote at the referendum compared to the Federal election last year.” The No campaign feared in the final week before polling day that reluctant voters would not show up on the day to vote. The actual voter turnout for WA ended up being 87.5 per cent, compared to 87.9 per cent in the Federal election. Across Australia, it was 89.92 per cent, while it was 89.82 per cent in the last Federal election. The writ for the referendum was returned to Governor-General David Hurley on Monday, cementing the No result. 60 per cent of the country voted No, compared to 39.9 per cent of Australians who wrote Yes on their ballot papers. In WA, 63.2 per cent of voters supported a No vote, while 36.7 per cent voted Yes. There were 155,545 informal votes nationwide, with 13,454 being in WA.