C. They fine you money for not voting.
In Australia, voting is compulsory for eligible citizens. At the end of the voting day, if you have not voted and do not have a valid reason for not doing so, you can be fined for failing to fulfill your civic duty. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is responsible for enforcing this compulsory voting system. They have the authority to issue fines to individuals who did not vote without a valid excuse.
The fine for not voting varies and is determined by the AEC. However, it is important to note that the purpose of the fine is not to penalize or punish individuals, but rather to encourage voter turnout and participation in the democratic process. By imposing a penalty for not voting, the government aims to ensure high voter engagement and maintain the legitimacy of elections.
It is worth mentioning that the fine is typically a relatively small amount, and there are opportunities to provide a valid reason for not voting, such as illness or being outside the country on the voting day. Additionally, individuals who genuinely forgot to vote can often have the fine waived upon providing a reasonable explanation.