Czech citizens abroad can vote by postal ballot for the first time in the parliamentary elections this October. Those interested still have just over a week to register in a special electoral roll.
Czech citizens living abroad can this year cast their vote by post for the first time. A small revolution that could increase voter turnout among Czechs living abroad several times over. The process is considered straightforward – but strictly timed: those interested must register in a special electoral roll by 24 August at the latest, and the actual application for a postal vote is possible until 29 August.
It is estimated that around 600,000 eligible Czechs live outside their home country. So far, however, only around 20,000 have exercised their right to vote – that is not even four per cent. With the newly introduced postal vote, this number could multiply: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects up to 80,000 votes from abroad.
Long-Established Practice Abroad
In many European countries, voting by post has been a democratic standard for years. Slovakia introduced it in 2006 – initially, only around 3,000 citizens made use of it. By 2023, however, the number had risen to almost 73,000 postal voters – a record in the country’s history.
Postal voting is also very popular in Germany and Austria – possible both from abroad and from one’s place of residence within the country. In the Federal Republic of Germany, this option has existed since 1957.
Parliamentary Elections on 3 and 4 October
On 3 and 4 October, the Czech Republic will elect its deputies. Polls see the ANO movement of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš as the clear favourite. The current government led by Petr Fiala has been in office since 2021 and narrowly won the last elections with the multi-party coalition Spolu (ODS, KDU–ČSL, and TOP 09). Voter turnout at that time was 65.4%.
Further information on the first Czech postal vote and how to register can be found on the website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Milion chvilek pro demokracii movement (both in Czech).
