The NT Electoral Commission is sending roughly 5,500 ‘apparent failure to vote letters’ to residents of the City of Darwin’s Chan Ward that could see a $25 penalty imposed or up to $176 if no reason is provided for their absence at the by-election polling booth in June.

The by-election was called after former Darwin councillor Ed Smelt resigned from council to run in the electorate of Nightcliff for Labor, which he won. Clarence McCarthy-Grogan ultimately won the Chan by-election after preferences in June.

But only 6,053 residents voted of the 12,636 enrolled voters in the ward, that covers the suburbs of Coconut Grove, Fannie Bay, Jingili, Millner, Nightcliff, Rapid Creek and East Point.

The NTEC said it has now commenced sending approximately 5,500 “apparent failure to vote letters to people who appear not to have voted” in the by-election.

Anyone who receives a letter will have 28 days to explain their situation in three ways, the NTEC said.

They can explain in writing where they voted so their vote can be verified by the NTEC; or, if they did not vote, they must provide the reason in writing to the NTEC “for consideration”; and outside of those options, they can pay the $25 penalty for not voting.

“People who receive a letter should respond within 28 days, even if the believe they voted or have a valid reason for not voting,” the NTEC said.

“If no action is taken, the Northern Territory Electoral Commission may refer the matter to the court, where the maximum penalty is $176.”

More information is available on the NTEC website.