The NT Electoral Commission has this week started sending failure to vote notices to 38,553 Territorians who “appear not to have voted” in the 2025 local government elections, that saw the lowest voter turnout on record at only 55.8 per cent.

The fine for not voting is $25, but failure to pay that within 28 days can lead to a referral to court, where the maximum penalty is $189, the NTEC said in a statement.

“Local Government councils are the level of government closest to the community making important decisions that impact day to day activities, from local roads to footpaths, pools, parks and community projects,” the NTEC said in the statement on Monday.

“Voting in elections provides the opportunity for electors to democratically elect the representatives who will make important community decisions during the Council term.”

After receiving the “apparent failure to vote notice” that is being mailed out this week, residents need to respond in writing with three options: if you did vote, you need to provide your name, address and where you voted; if you did not vote and believe you have a valid reason you need to explain it and send back to the NTEC; and if you did not vote and do not have a sufficient reason for not voting, you must pay the $25 fine.

“If you do not respond to the apparent failure to vote notice, or your excuse is deemed insufficient, you will receive an infringement notice. This is a fine for not voting,” the NTEC website states.

“The penalty for not voting is a $25 fee. You must respond within 28 days of the issue date of the notice.”

More information is available at the NT Electoral Commission website or by contacting the NTEC on 1800 698 683.

The 55.8 per cent voter turnout Territory-wide for local government elections was down from the 61.3 per cent turnout for the 2021 elections. The NTEC said the electoral roll increased by 12,390 electors, or 8.7 per cent, since the 2021 elections.