How to vote in EU elections?

Elections to European Parliament will take place on the 7th and 8th of June, and expats can vote too!

Who can vote?

• Only citizens of EU member states can vote. However, you are obliged to apply to be entered in the annex to the voter list before the elections.
• Citizens of non-European Union countries can not vote.

What are the requirements?

• You are a citizen of a different EU Member State.
• You are at least 18 years old.
• You are the holder of a permanent or temporary residence permit (also called a registration certificate).
• You are a holder of such a residence permit at least for 45 days before elections.

What then?

Step 1: Register to vote.

• You will have to apply for registration in the voter list (specifically in its annex) at the municipal office in your place of residence. In municipalities that are divided into city districts (as Ostrava is), you have to apply at the office of the relevant city district office (eg. at Poruba, Slezská, Jih, etc.).
• You can apply for registration only in person. Please use this sample application (please, use Czech form, English form is the specimen).
• While applying in person, you must prove your identity, citizenship of an EU state (by national ID or passport), and residence in the Czech Republic (by permanent/temporary residence permit).
• The municipal authority will inform you if the request is processed by May 23.

Step 2: Show up at the elections.

• On the elections days (7th and 8th of June) come to the election room in the place of your residence, bring a valid ID document and residence permit card and take a vote.

What’s the deadline for application?

• You can apply any time, but at the latest April 28 2024!

FAQ

• Where can I vote?

In the ballot room where you are resident (based on the address in your permanent/temporary residence card). You can also ask for a “Voter ID card” which will allow you to vote in any ballot room in the whole Czech Republic. See more here about “How to get a voter ID card?”.

• May I vote in the EU elections in my own Member State?

No. You can vote in EU elections only in one member state. Registration into the voter’s list in the Czech Republic will remove you from the voter’s list in your home country.

• Who will I vote for?

You will be voting for Czech parties/candidates. Czechia has 21 EU parliament members.

• How long will I be enrolled in the annex?

Once registered in the voter list, you will be recorded there until request your deletion or for as long as you continue to meet all legal conditions.

• Must I apply for registration before every election?

No. You will be automatically entered into the annex if you continue to meet all the conditions (in particular, residence in the Czech Republic). However, for voting in Municipal elections, you will have to apply for with a special application, since conditions are different. 

• Is voting compulsory?

No. Voting is not compulsory in the Czech Republic.

• Where can I find more information?

Please see more at the Ministry of Interior website.