Categories: EU ELECTIONS 2019

How to vote in European Elections from abroad

EU citizens living abroad -whether in another EU country or outside the EU- may have the right to vote, under certain conditions, in the European Parliament elections in their country of citizenship.

Practical arrangements to vote in the European elections for people living abroad vary a great deal among EU countries: most countries allow voting at embassies or consulates, several countries allow citizens living abroad to vote by post, a few countries allow voting by proxy, and Estonia -the only one- allows e-voting. Some countries such as the Czech Republic, Ireland, Malta and Slovakia do not allow their citizens living outside the country to vote in the European elections.

Get Ready for Your EU Right to VOTE

Some EU countries require voters to pre-register with their national electoral authorities to be eligible to vote from abroad. Several EU countries such as Bulgaria, Greece and Italy grant the right to vote only to their citizens living in another EU country. In addition, most EU countries make special arrangements for diplomats and military personnel serving overseas. For some countries’ citizens for instance Denmark, voting at embassies takes place prior to election day.

© European Union 2018 – European Parliament

Your right to vote – Where can I vote?

If you live in your home country, you can only vote for the EU candidates standing for election in your own country.
If you are registered and live in another EU country, you can:

vote for candidates standing in your home country or
participate in the election of your host country and vote for candidates standing in that country.

Voting in the country of residence

EU citizens living in an EU country of which they are not nationals have a right to vote in the European Parliament elections in the country where they live, under the same conditions as nationals. Special rules may apply in countries where non-nationals make up more than 20 % of the total electorate.

© European Union 2018 – European Parliament

One citizen = one vote

Double voting in European elections -in the country of residence and in the country of citizenship- is strictly forbidden and subject to penalties. EU countries are required to exchange information at least six weeks before European elections to prevent double voting.

For further details, please refer to the national authorities organising the elections in your country.

Take your place in the EU decision-making process

European Elections 2019
Ask for your Voting Right Living Abroad!

#BREXIT

For the time being, the United Kingdom remains a full member of the EU and rights and obligations continue to fully apply in and to the UK.
BUT the UK won’t be participating in the 2019 European elections.

2019 European elections

Get Ready!

2014 EU election had the lowest-ever turnout!
Is 2019 a new record year?

EUdebates Team

SHARE your ideas online and JOIN us for a better Europe. eudebates! Your opinion counts! eudebates.tv The unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens.

Recent EU debates

Watch State of the Union live: Ursula von der Leyen gives 2022 address #SOTEU

President Ursula von der Leyen debates priorities ahead of hard winter at the State of the European Union #SOTEU at…

2 years ago

EU steps up solidarity with refugees fleeing Ukraine

More than two million refugees have now been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine to find safety in neighbouring…

3 years ago

REPowerEU to get rid of the dependencies of Russian fossil fuel

The European Commission proposed an outline of a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030, starting with gas, in…

3 years ago

EU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine

In response to Russian President Putin’s unprecedented and unprovoked military attack against Ukraine, the EU is responding by adopting a…

3 years ago

Finland: NATO membership ‘will change’ after Russian invasion

Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the debate around NATO membership within her country.…

3 years ago

EU responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with massive sanctions

EU leaders held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General sending the message that the world can see that unity…

3 years ago

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.