A disappointing voter turnout at a recent Northern Territory by-election has prompted the City of Darwin to pursue non-voters.
Traditionally the City of Darwin has not taken any action on non-voters at elections or by-elections, however the low voter numbers in the Lyons Ward by-election in October highlighted the need for reinforcement of compulsory voting.
Of 13,147 eligible voters enrolled to vote in the by-election, approximately 5600 failed to vote.
On Tuesday, Council decided to engage the NT Electoral Commission to pursue non-voters.
Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim said that this was a poor outcome considering every registered voter received a letter in the mail and convenience voting was also introduced for this by-election.
“Given the continued low voter attendance at by-elections, Council has to consider measures to reinforce the requirement of compulsory voting in City of Darwin elections, “said the Lord Mayor.
“The system isn’t unreasonable. An Apparent Non Vote Notice will first be issued. Should people not be able to provide sufficient cause for not voting, they will then receive an infringement notice,” the Lord Mayor added.
The follow up of non-voters will now be carried out by the NT Electoral Commission.
