Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

SA, WA and Tas have voluntary for local ones, but state and federal of course compulsory. At least I hope so!

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

The UK forces people to get a licence to own a tv and if you refuse to get one they will take you to court and massively fine you AND potentially give you a prison sentence.

Atleast compulsory voting makes people partake in the electoral system which in my opinion is a civic duty and obligation for all citizens. Owning a tv is not a civic duty.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

And you can spoil your ballot as well. Attendance is compulsory, not voting. I don't agree with it as I see it as a right not a duty, but I'm happy to attend.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

I'm in Queensland, compulsory unless you are out of the country.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

What about the census? You get asked a booklet of personal questions and it is absolutely compulsory to fill it out and submit it, in the UK, USA, AUS and pretty much everywhere (pretty sure).

When people do not vote or fill out the census, it's pretty much a case of individuals choosing to act against the interests of the community as a whole.

Voting is not a big deal. All you have to do is turn up to the polling venue and get your name checked off the roll, whether you fill out a ballot sheet or not. If you do not attend you get a small fine, or a petty $50 in the case of local government elections.

In Victoria, all local government elections are now by post. I'm not sure about the other states. Is it that hard to put some numbers in a box and mail it to the electoral commission?

I mean seriously, out of all the inconvenient things we have to do in our lives this would have to rate towards the bottom of the list.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

WA local elections also by mail in my Shire.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

I wish they were by mail in QLD :o I have sent off my letter and been honest (I didn't notice there were local elections and would have voted if I'd known). However, I should be more observant and fully expect to be stung for the $50

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

It's best to at least tick a number of the boxes if you plan to spoil your ballot so no one can tick one for you...

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

I did the State one by mail, but then left the country before the local ones, and I'd already read somewhere online that if abroad you can avoid voting in the local ones.

Got my notice this morning, I've written back saying I was in London getting plastered at the time, which was far more fun :D

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

Won't they say you should have queued up at Australia House ? :)

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

:p
Last time I went there they threatened not to let me in cos my bra set off the metal detectors :D They changed their tune when I offered to remove it!!

Maybe for federal or State they'd do that, but local ones they didn't even seem interested in giving postal votes - out of the country and they didn't want to know.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

I'm guessing bra or no bra you'll be at the front of the queue at the next state election :D

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

Me and the vast majority of current & former public servants.

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

Update! I told the truth (ignorance) and got an information leaflet and got let off the fine...
Mind you, with that b@stard Newman in charge, nuffin's going to stop me voting in future :thumbup:

Re: Apparent failure to vote notice
 

Am i correct in thinking that as 457 visa holders we are ineligible to vote?