Poor voter turnout in Alice Springs Town Council by-election could see thousands fined

More than half of all eligible voters in one Territory council could be hit with fines for not voting, as a handful of votes separates the top candidates.

The NT Electoral Commission has described continually poor voter turnouts in Territory by-elections as “concerning”. Picture: Michael Marschall

Thousands of Territorians could be hit with a fine for choosing not to vote, after a dismal turnout to a council by-election was revealed.

The recent Alice Springs Town Council by-election saw less than half of electors rock up to the ballot box.

Deputy Electoral Commissioner Kirsten Kelly said the turnout of 7,520 people – representing just 47 per cent of electors – is actually down on previous numbers.

“Turnout for Alice Springs in the 2021 Local Government Elections was 65 per cent,” Ms Kelly said.

“Just over a year later, significantly less people voted in this by-election.”

In September, more than 1500 people were served a $25 fine for not voting in the Fannie Bay by-election.

An NT Electoral Commission spokesman says around 900 of those have so far failed to pay the infringement and may face court, where the maximum penalty is $162 plus court fees.

Labor’s Brent Potter made a narrow victory of just 148 votes in the Fannie Bay by-election’s two party preferred stakes. Picture: Monique Van Der Heyden

The 63 per cent turnout of the inner-city electorate is similar to that of the 2021 Daly by-election, which covers a remote patch as far west as Wadeye.

NT Electoral Commissioner Iain Loganathan said continually low voter turnouts are concerning.

“Voter turnout in general elections has remained steady, however voter turnout is significantly lower for by-elections and continuing to decline in the NT,” Mr Loganathan said.

“The low voter turnout in the NT is consistent with the decrease in voter turnout we are seeing across Australia.”

Mr Loganathan says there are many reasons that may contribute to poor turnouts, including an unawareness that voting is compulsory for all levels of government in the NT.

“Not knowing enough about the candidates running, apathy in not seeing benefits in community on what is being delivered and voter fatigue (are some) anecdotal opinions shared with the Commission,” Mr Loganathan said.

“For example, Alice Springs electors have been required to vote in three elections in the past 14 months.

Alice Springs Town Council candidate Gavin Morris moved to Alice Springs last year to become the principal at Yipirinya School and was previously an education lecturer at Charles Darwin University.

“What the NT Electoral Commission can do within its remit is to continue to increase voter awareness, engagement and education through its programs (as well as) ensure a range of accessible voting service offerings are available.

“Voters can assist by keeping their enrolment details up to date.”

Gavin Morris leads the current count of the Alice Springs Town Council by-election by just eight votes, with results to be declared on November 11.

An NT Electoral Commission spokesman said it is now up to the Alice Springs Town Council to enact the $25 fines or not.

[e-mail]

Originally published as Poor voter turnout in Alice Springs Town Council by-election could see thousands fined