The AEC is required to write to electors whose declaration envelopes were rejected at preliminary scrutiny under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

The Voter Information letter you received is not a fine or penalty notice and your name was still marked off as having voted. This letter is for information only and intended to assist you in having your vote included in the count should you need to complete a declaration vote in the future.

No, you will not receive a fine or penalty notice. Your name was still marked off as having voted.

The Voter Information letter you received is for information only and intended to assist you in having your vote included in the count should you need to complete a declaration vote in the future.

A declaration vote is when an elector makes a declaration about their entitlement to vote.

Declaration votes are issued when the elector casts an absent, pre-poll, postal or provisional vote.

When you complete a declaration vote (postal, absent, pre-poll or provisional), your name and other details are required on the declaration envelope so that your entitlement to vote can be confirmed and your name can be marked off the electoral roll as having voted.

The AEC checks these details before your ballot paper can be counted. If there was an issue, your letter will provide you with the reason why your vote wasn’t counted.

Common reasons why the AEC may not have counted your vote are:

• Your enrolment details were not up to date, or,
• You or your witness did not sign the envelope.

No fine or penalty will apply, and your name was still marked off as having voted.