South Australian voters receive fines for not voting despite casting ballots

Multiple residents who voted in South Australia's scandal-plagued election have been surprised to receive fines in the post for not voting.

Marley Howe was among those to report being issued an infringement notice from the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) despite voting early at a pre-polling booth in Barmera in the state's Riverland.

Mr Howe told ABC Riverland he was taken aback by the failure to vote letter.

"It says I have to reply … within a certain amount of days. If I don't I get a $50 fine."

Unlike other years when he voted Mr Howe said he was issued a QR code in the post to bring with him to the pre-polling booth.

"I don't think that worked. If it did work I shouldn't have got mail from the electoral commission saying I haven't voted," he said.

"I know for sure that I voted and I think it's wrong."

Mr Howe said he was aware of others who had voted early at the same pre-polling booth as him during the state election and were also issued notices.

The ABC has spoken to an additional four people who confirmed they also received infringements despite voting in March.

The notices he and other Riverland voters received comes the same week as SA's Electoral Commissioner Mick Sherry resigned amid a review into the scandal-plagued state and Voice elections.

"This election was very disorganised, in all honesty. It's not entirely surprising that they've had some errors throughout this election," Mr Howe said.

"I've heard a lot of other people currently in the same boat as me, basically [receiving letters] saying they hadn't voted when they did."

Electoral Commission facing 'question of competence'

The March elections have been plagued by problems including misplaced ballots, inadequate polling booth staff and computer glitches.

Former federal electoral commissioner Tom Rogers has been appointed to lead a "sweeping independent review" of the management and oversight of the state election and the First Nations Voice election.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was not aware of electors who had voted in the state elections being issued fines but said there were "some serious questions here for the Electoral Commission".

"Obviously there is the review underway that will report to the parliament independently, that's a good thing.

"Hopefully that will address these questions as well."

Mr Malinauskas added that he was "not in the business of undermining the Electoral Commission" and there was never any question of its integrity but a "question of competence".

"I think it's a good thing Mick Sherry has resigned as electoral commissioner. It allows for a fresh start following the review," he said.

An Electoral Commission spokesperson said it issued the letters to electors who were not recorded as having voted in the state elections.

"The letter includes an opportunity for voters to indicate how and where they voted, such as the polling place, early voting centre or by post," they said in a statement.

"Similarly, anyone who did not vote in the state election is offered the opportunity to provide their reason for not voting.

"If the reason is deemed valid and sufficient they will be excused for not voting."