2025 Local Government Elections: Apparent failure to vote notices issued from today

Voting is compulsory in all government elections in the Northern Territory. Voter turnout based on votes counted in the August 2025 Local Government Elections was 55.8% compared to 61.3% in the 2021 Local Government Elections. The NT Electoral roll has increased by 12,390 electors (8.7%) since the 2021 elections.

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

This week the NT Electoral Commission has commenced sending a total of 38,553 apparent failure to vote infringement notices to Territorians who appear not to have voted in the 2025 Local Government elections. 

Recipients of the notices have 28 days to respond in the following ways:

1. Provide details of their reason for not voting in writing for consideration of the NT Electoral Commission.
2. Pay the $25 prescribed amount for the infringement notice offence.

If no action is taken by the recipient, the NT Electoral Commission may refer the matter to court, where the maximum penalty is $189.

Find more information or contact the NT Electoral Commission on 1800 698 683.