In Queensland, voting is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens aged 18 or older at state elections, council elections, and state referendums. If an elector fails to vote without a valid and sufficient excuse, they may be fined. The fine for not voting in a state or local election in Queensland is $143, but if the fine is paid prior to the due date indicated, it will reduce the penalty to $71.50 (one-half of the penalty unit) . If the fine is not paid, it may be referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry where additional charges may apply (which is usually a further ‘registration fee’ of $75.60) .

It is important to note that the penalty for not voting may vary depending on the type of election. For example, the penalty for not voting in the 2022 federal election in Australia was $20, and failing to pay the fine could see the matter land you in court and, without a valid excuse, you could be hit with a $222 fine plus court fees.

If an elector has a valid and sufficient excuse for not voting, they may not be fined. The discretion of the AEC’s Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for each electorate determines whether an elector has provided a valid and sufficient reason for not voting. Some valid excuses for not voting include being outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote, being more than 8km from a polling place, traveling, being unable to leave your workplace to vote, being seriously ill, infirm, or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is), being a patient in the hospital and unable to vote at the hospital, or having religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place.