Greek Citizens Abroad to Gain Right to Vote by Mail in National Elections

Greek citizens living overseas may soon be able to vote in national elections without returning home, as the government moves to extend postal voting rights beyond European contests. Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios announced the proposal during a parliamentary budget debate, signaling plans to submit the legislation to Parliament within the first half of 2026.

Greece has already introduced mail-in voting for European Parliament elections, a system that allowed citizens abroad to register and vote remotely through an online platform launched in early 2024. Officials say the process has proven secure, transparent, and reliable, setting the stage for expansion to national ballots.

The reform is intended to ensure equal political participation for all Greeks, regardless of residence, and aims to strengthen democratic inclusion. Millions of Greeks living abroad, many with strong economic, cultural, and social ties to the homeland, would benefit from reduced barriers to voting such as travel costs and logistical challenges.

Livanios emphasized that the move is a structural reform rather than a temporary pilot, drawing on the success of previous European election mail-in procedures. The government hopes political parties will support the initiative, framing it as a measure to uphold citizens’ democratic rights rather than a partisan advantage.

If approved, Greece would join other European countries that already allow citizens abroad to vote remotely, further integrating its diaspora into the national political process.

The proposed postal voting system for national elections reflects a broader trend across Europe to modernize voting procedures and enhance accessibility for citizens residing outside their home country.