From 6 to 9 June 2024 European citizens will be electing the next European Parliament. European elections give citizens across the European Union the opportunity to directly influence the future policies of Europe. Whether you are voting in your country of origin, while traveling, or in your country of residence, exercising your democratic right is crucial. In this blog post, we will guide you through all possible options for voting in the European Parliament elections 2024.

First of all, to be able to participate in elections you must be eligible. The eligibility criteria are:

• Be a citizen of an EU member state.

• Have voting rights in your home country or country of residence.

• Meet the minimum voting age requirement of your country on or before the election day.

1. Voting in your country of origin

Steps to vote:

Registration:

• Check your registration: Make sure you are registered to vote in your home country. If you are not sure, contact your local electoral office.

• Register if needed: If you are not registered, you may need to do so before a specified deadline. Check your home country's electoral rules for details.

Voting:

• Visit your polling station: On election day, go to your designated polling station in your country of origin.

• Present identification: Bring a valid ID, such as a passport or national ID card, to prove your identity.

• Cast your vote: Follow the instructions at the polling station to cast your vote for your preferred candidates or party.

• Collect your voting certificate: In some countries, you may receive a voting certificate as proof that you have voted.

Even though the right to vote is recognised as a fundamental one internationally, voting procedures for electors of a country that are temporarily or permanently outside of their country are complex and vary across Member States. The most common options include registering to vote in person in the country you are located, voting by proxy or voting by mail. Only one country, Estonia, currently allows e-voting.

2. Voting if you are traveling

Steps to vote:

Voting in person in the country you are visiting:

• Check voting provisions: Be sure that your country allows voting form abroad.

• Check registration deadlines: Every country has a different registration procedure. Find what your country’s rules are.

• Register to a poll station close to your location: Your home country electoral authority should issue a list of locations where elections will take place. Very often these are embassies or cultural centres.

• Cast your vote on the day of the election: In some cases, you may be required to register to vote at the polling station and then submit your ballot.
   

3. Voting in your country of residence

Steps to vote:

Voting in person in your country of residence

Registration:

• Check the registration deadline on and register to vote: Ensure you register before the specified deadline vote in your country of residence.

Voting:

• Visit your polling station: Go to your designated polling station in your country of residence on election day.

• Present identification: Bring a valid ID to prove your identity.

• Cast your vote: Follow the voting instructions to cast your vote for your preferred candidates or party.

• Collect your voting certificate: In some countries, you may receive a voting certificate as proof that you have voted.

Voting by proxy

• Appoint a proxy: If you are traveling on election day and cannot vote in person, some members states allow you to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf in your home country.

  • Notify electoral authorities: Inform your home country's electoral authorities about your intention to vote by proxy before the specified deadline.

  • Choose a trusted person: Select someone you trust to act as your proxy and provide them with the necessary documents and instructions.

Voting by mail

• Request a postal ballot: Contact your home country's electoral office to request a postal ballot if you will be traveling during the election.

  • Fill out the ballot: Once you receive the postal ballot, carefully read the instructions and fill it out as required.

  • Mail the ballot back: Return the completed postal ballot to your home country's electoral office before the deadline.

4. Voting from outside of the EU

If on the election day you are outside of the European Union, you can consult the EU External Action website for dates and relevant links to information about voter registration deadlines for EU citizens voting from outside the European Union.

Conclusion

The European Parliament elections 2024 are an opportunity for EU citizens to have a say in the future of Europe. Whether you choose to vote in your country of origin, while traveling, or in your country of residence, it is important to be informed about the eligibility criteria and follow the necessary steps to ensure your vote counts.

Make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines in your home country or country of residence to avoid any last-minute complications. By exercising your democratic right to vote, you contribute to shaping the political landscape of the European Union and making your voice heard on important issues affecting all EU citizens.

Sources: European Parliament, European elections 2024 briefing, Voting from abroad in European Parliament elections