Advance Voting and Overseas Voting in Portugal's Elections: Instructions for Casting Your Ballot Early or Abroad
Breaking Down Early Voting in Portugal's Upcoming Election
Ready to cast your ballot early for Portugal's upcoming election? Here's a simplified guide on how to make it happen.
Who can vote early?
According to the website of Portugal's National Elections Commission (CNE), anyone registered within the national territory can vote early, starting a week before the election date, specifically on May 11th. If you fancy this option, don't forget to register by following the steps below.
Registering to vote
To register, you have to communicate your intention between May 4th and May 8th via electronic means at www.votoantecipado.pt or by sending a letter to the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration at Praça do Comércio, Ala Oriental, 1149-015 LISBOA. Include essential info like your full name, civil identification number, address, the polling station where you intend to vote, and your email address and/or phone number. Remember to secure this registration by May 8th.
Voting on May 11th
On May 11th, rush to your chosen municipality's polling station, verify your identity (with your CPF or ID), and indicate your residential parish. After casting your vote, you'll receive a duplicate of the security sticker that serves as proof of your right to vote.
What if I can't vote early but need to vote later?
No worries! You can still vote on election day, May 18th. The polls will be open between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Early voting for prisoners and hospitalized patients
Prisoners and hospitalized patients can also vote early by communicating their intention by April 28th via www.votoantecipado.pt or by post, sending a letter to the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration. Include your civil identification number and attach a document confirming your impediment. Mayors will collect votes from the respective establishments between May 5th and 8th.
Early voting for voters abroad
Voters registered in Portugal who are abroad for work, official representation, or education can vote early as well. Sick voters receiving treatment abroad or accompanying these voters also qualify. Between May 6th and 8th, head to the consular sections of embassies, consulates, or external delegations of Portuguese public institutions to cast your vote. Verify your identity and indicate your residential parish.
For voters abroad who cannot make it in person, postal voting is an option as long as the trip is job-related or for education purposes. Voters should ensure they're registered with the correct constituency and follow the procedures for sending their ballot securely before election day.
Interested in electronic voting as a Portland expat? While it's not currently offered, suggestions for improvements in future elections are being considered. Stay tuned! 😉
If you are a registered resident within Portugal and wish to vote early, you can do so beginning on May 11th, as per the guidelines provided by Portugal's National Elections Commission (CNE). For those interested in electronic voting, the option is not currently available for expats. However, suggestions for improvements in future elections are being considered.
