Thousands hit with 'fail to vote' notices in Wollongong

Concerns have been raised this week after thousands of residents living in Wollongong and Shellharbour LGAs received fines in the mail alleging they failed to vote at the September council elections.

One caller to ABC Illawarra said she voted at Tarrawanna Public School on the morning of the election on 14 September and recalls the polling official crossing off her name on the electoral roll.

A Tarrawanna Community Facebook page has revealed many others have found themselves in the same situation.

There have also been reports from Shellharbour of people who say they definitely did vote, yet this week received 'fail to vote' notices.

A spokesperson for the NSW Electoral Commission told ABC Illawarra around 19,000 'apparent failure to vote' notices were sent out in the Wollongong LGA. Those notices carry a $55 fine, unless the recipient can satisfy the Electoral Commission that they did in fact cast a vote by saying where they voted and when. This can be done online within 28 days.

If there is no response within 28 days a reminder notice to respond will be sent before the matter is referred to Revenue NSW for further action. There will be an additional fee of up to $65 if the matter is referred to Revenue NSW.