Thousands in Shepparton to receive voting warning letters

By Shepparton News

Mar 25, 2025

Residents are urged to act on voting notices before fines hit. Photo by Panorama Images

More than 5000 Greater Shepparton residents are expected to receive a notice for not voting in the 2024 council elections — and ARC Justice is encouraging people not to ignore it.

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The Victorian Electoral Commission recently announced that 5162 locals would be sent an Apparent Failure to Vote notice in the coming weeks.

“If you missed voting in the council elections late last year, the VEC will send you this notice asking for an explanation,” ARC Justice chief executive Damian Stock said.

“You won’t be fined if you have a valid reason and respond in time.

“We know that many residents across the Greater Shepparton region were still dealing with the impacts of floods during last year’s council elections.

“People were displaced, living away from home or facing ongoing disruptions.

“If flooding affected your ability to vote or if you had another valid reason — such as illness — you can explain this to the VEC.

“This notice is not a fine, but ignoring it could lead to a $99 penalty, so it’s important to respond.

“ARC Justice encourages residents in flood-affected communities to check their mail and respond promptly if they receive this notice.

“Understanding your rights can help you avoid unnecessary fines.”

To respond, visit VEC’s website or call 1300 551 575.