More than 200,000 Victorians who did not vote in last year’s state election will be asked to justify their failure to show up at a polling booth or face a possible fine.

The Victorian Electoral Commission is set to issue a “please explain” to about 230,000 enrolled voters for their apparent failure to vote.

Victorians cast their vote at Frankston State High School at the last state election. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The penalty for ignoring the notice is $81, and Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said recipients would have 28 days to explain themselves or risk a fine.

"An apparent failure to vote notice is not a fine; it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have voted," Mr Gately said.