Record number of Polish citizens registered to vote abroad in presidential runoff
Over 695,000 Polish citizens have registered to vote abroad in the second round of Poland’s presidential election, marking a historic high, officials say.
Justyna Chrzanowska from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke at a press briefing ahead of the second round of Poland’s presidential elections, scheduled for Sunday, June 1, including voting at polling stations organized abroad.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell
More than 695,000 Polish citizens living outside Poland have registered to vote in the upcoming presidential runoff on June 1, according to Justyna Chrzanowska, the Polish Foreign Ministry’s coordinator for organizing elections abroad.
This figure surpasses the previous record and shows a significant increase from the first round on May 18, when around 509,000 voters registered abroad.
Chrzanowska highlighted a surge in late registrations, with over 211,000 voters added between May 20 and the registration deadline on May 29.
Additional voters may also participate on election day by presenting certificates confirming their right to vote. They should also have a valid ID – either a passport or an identity card in EU countries.
Top countries for Polish voter registration abroad
The highest number of registered voters abroad comes from Nottingham, UK, with 3,685 participants. Other countries with large numbers include Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Popular voting locations also include holiday resorts, such as Mallorca, Spain, with 2,317 registered voters, and Hurghada, Egypt, with 1,129.
Despite some technical issues with the online registration system, officials assured voters that alternative registration methods, including email to consuls, were available. Authorities are working to include all eligible voters who experienced difficulties.
Eligible voters include Polish citizens permanently living abroad or those temporarily outside Poland during the election. Those already registered in foreign voting districts for the first round remain eligible for the runoff.
In 2023, over 636,000 Polish citizens were eligible to vote abroad, underscoring growing engagement from the diaspora in national elections.
More details: gov.pl
(mp)
Source: MSZ/PAP/IAR/X/@MSZ_RP
