The penalty for anyone who doesn't vote today
Most Australians know they will be fined if they don't vote in the federal election today, but few realise just how much they'll pay for skipping out on the ballot.
Here's everything you need to know about the penalties for failing to vote correctly.
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Most Australians know they'll cop a fine if they don't vote in the federal election. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
What is the penalty if you don't vote in an election in Australia?
It is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18 to enrol and vote in the federal election today.
Failure to do so may lead to a $20 administrative penalty.
If you don't vote, you will receive a letter from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) with instructions on how to pay the $20 penalty.
If you believe you had a "valid and sufficient reason" for not voting, you can advise the AEC and its Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for your electorate will review your reason along with any specific circumstances.
The DRO will then determine if your reason for not voting is valid and sufficient.
If it is not, you will be notified by the AEC and required to pay the fine.
Some valid and sufficient reasons for not voting today could include being too ill to make it to the polls, a natural disaster, or some other accident.
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Can you go to jail for not voting in Australia?
No, you can not be jailed for failing to vote in an Australian election.
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Who is exempt from voting?
It's compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over to enrol and vote.
Those who will not be able to make it to a polling place today can apply for a postal vote or cast their vote early.
Early voting commenced two weeks ago on Saturday, April 19.
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What is the penalty if you vote multiple times?
The penalty for multiple voting is much more severe than the penalty for not voting at all.
Australians who cast more than one vote in any election, by-election or referendum are committing a criminal offence under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.
If convicted, you may face fines up to 60 penalty units (up to $19,800), imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
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After the election today, the AEC will scan voter lists from polling places around the country to identify any cases where a voter has been marked off more than once.
The AEC then contacts those voters requesting further information about how many times they voted.
If a voter is found to have cast multiple votes, their case may be referred to the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to consider.
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