|
total countries/territories: 230
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
b. No
|
Only people who wish to register shall come to the voter registration center in the district or nahia of residence, and may apply to register under the conditions set forth in the Electoral Law and the Regulation on Voter Registration.
Source:
Afghan Election Law, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
|
2019/09/24
|
|
Albania
|
a. Yes
|
Electoral Code: Art. 45: Voters vote in the voting centre in the zone where they are registered on the voter list, unless otherwise specified in this Code.
Art. 46: 1. The voter list is compiled for each polling unit on the basis of the electronic data of the National Civil Status Register.
2. The voter list contains all the voters who, based on the electronic data of the National Civil Status Register of citizens, have a residence in the polling unit of the local government unit or voters according to Chapter III of this Part.
Source:
The Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, dated 2 April 2015, art. 45, 46.
|
2017/05/17
|
|
Algeria
|
a. Yes
|
All Algerians eligible to vote must be registered.
Those who fall under the following will not be registered:
-one who worked against Algeria in the revolution
-one who has been convicted of a crime
-one who is serving a term of imprisonment and falls under Articles 9, 9a and 14 of the Criminal Code
-one who has declared bankruptcy and not yet been rehabilitated
Source:
Electoral law (Loi organique n° 12-01 du 18 Safar 1433 correspondant au 12 janvier 2012 relative au régime électoral), art. 4, 6, 7: https://www.joradp.dz/hfr/consti.htm
|
2019/09/25
|
|
American Samoa
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of American Samoa, Art. 2:7
|
2017/08/18
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral law: 28/2007 - "Llei qualificada del règim electoral i del referèndum", art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/AD/andorra-electoral-law-2007/
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
a. Yes
|
Voter registration is a prerequisite for exercising the right to vote.
Source:
Electoral Law n.º 36/11 of 21 December 2011 regulating General Elections, art. 4 (2): http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7Bc46fa0b3-c947-4440-ae92-5f1a3a275d8a%7D.pdf (2017)
|
2017/09/28
|
|
Anguilla
|
a. Yes
|
Requirement for registration
10. Every person who is qualified to be registered as a voter shall, unless registered in the register of voters for an Electoral District—
(a) apply to the Registration Officer for that Electoral District, during the enumeration year; or
(b) apply to the Electoral Registration Officer, after the enumeration year; to be registered as a voter in accordance with this Act and the regulations.
Source:
Electoral Act: art. 10.
|
2015/02/24
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
b. No
|
But it is necessary to registered in order to be able to vote.
Source:
Constitution: art. 40:3.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
|
2014/06/05
|
|
Argentina
|
a. Yes
|
It is an automatic register and there can be only legal exclusions or disqualifications.
Source:
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral Nacional — Ley 19945”, art. 17–24: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-ley-19945-codigo-electoral-nacional-2019/ (2019)
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
b. No
|
Citizens of the Republic of Armenia included in the State Population Register of the Republic of Armenia, registered in a community of the Republic of Armenia and having the right of suffrage shall be included in the Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia.
Citizens having no registration in the Republic of Armenia as well as persons not holding the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia but having the right to vote at elections of self-government bodies, shall not be included in the Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia, which does not restrict their right to be included in the list of electors.
Source:
Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 7 (1): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013)
|
2015/12/01
|
|
Aruba
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Mr. Hubert Maduro, President, Electoral Council of Aruba
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Australia
|
a. Yes
|
Those who are eligible to vote and fail to register within 21 days of becoming eligible to vote are guilty of an offense and can be charged under the Criminal Code.
Source:
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (amended in 2019) Part VIII, Section 101: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00103/f85985f8-e256-4e11-ad31-884ed7f92224
|
2024/09/09
|
|
Austria
|
b. No
|
Voting was previously compulsory in Austria however it has been removed entirely as of 2003, with the 2010 Presidential election free of mandatory voting.
Source:
http://aceproject.org/main/english/es/esc07a.htm
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Yes
|
All citizens who have active suffrage rights shall be included in the Voters’ Lists.
A voter may be included in the Voter’s List under the relevant precinct on the basis of the voter’s permanent place of residence (i.e. the place a voter has resided for at least 6 out of 12 months prior to the announcement of elections) as determined by the body responsible for recording citizens' place of residence or place of stay.
Source:
Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan including 2024 amendments, article 47.1 and 47.2: https://msk.gov.az/uploads/qanunvericilik/Election-Code-2024.pdf
|
2024/11/12
|
|
Bahamas
|
b. No
|
However, persons must be registered in order to be able to vote.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act (1992), Art. 9
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BS/bahamas-parliamentary-elections-act-2012/view (2017)
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
a. Yes
|
Evey citizen eligible to vote must be listed in the voters' schedule.
Source:
Decree No. 14 of 2002 on Exercising Political Rights, art. 6: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/BH/bahrain-law-by-decree-on-exercising-political/view
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Bangladesh
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: Part VII, Article 121.
|
2012/05/30
|
|
Barbados
|
b. No
|
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Yes
|
Lists of the citizens having the right to participate in elections shall be drawn up for every voting precinct and be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the precinct commission.
Source:
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
a. Yes
|
Article 10
§ 1. In the case described in article 105, the Council of the burgomasters and lay
judged closes the list of voters 24 days before the Election Day.
In the case mentioned in article 106, the list of voters is closed on the date of the royal decree
that fixes the date of the elections. The voters are nevertheless invited to vote on the basis of the list
which has been drafted for the regular meeting of the electoral committees if the dissolution of the
Chamber of Representatives takes place after the 24th day preceding the date of the regular meeting
of the electoral committees meaning an election has to be organized before the scheduled date.
§ 2. The voters’ list contains the name, first names, birthdate, gender, main place or
residence and the identification number from the national register or individual residents as it is
stipulated in article 2, sentence 2 of the law from 8 August 1983. The register uses a continuous
numbering and is organized by municipality or if not available, by section of a municipality either by
alphabetic order of the voters or by geographic order of the streets.
§ 3. If the elections for the Chamber of Representatives take place on the same day
as the elections to the European Parliament, the list of the Belgian voters enlisted in the population
register or a Belgian municipality for the elections to the European Parliament equally serves as the
list of voters for the election to the Chamber of Representatives.
Article 16
On the date of closure of the voters’ list, the Council of burgomasters and lay judges
informs the citizen by publishing a bulletin in the usual form, inviting them to verify until the 12th
day before the Election Day the voters’ list during the opening hours of the municipal administration
to check if they themselves or any other person is listed or listed correctly. This bulletin explains the
procedure of complaints and appeals as stipulated in articles 18 and following.
Source:
Electoral Code of Belgium, Article 10
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BE/belgium-electoral-code-2014/view
Electoral Code of Belgium, Article 16
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BE/belgium-electoral-code-2014/view
|
2019/04/25
|
|
Belize
|
a. Yes
|
Although not being registered means a person cannot vote.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”, Section 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
|
2025/03/24
|
|
Benin
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 6: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/05
|
|
Bermuda
|
b. No
|
While it is not compulsory to register as an elector, citizens must be registered to qualify to vote.
4 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person is entitled to vote at a parliamentary election in a constituency if, and only if, on the polling day, he is registered as an elector in the parliamentary register of that constituency.
Source:
The Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 4
|
2012/05/31
|
|
Bhutan
|
a. Yes
|
Every citizen of Bhutan whose name is registered in the
Electoral Roll of the constituency for the time being in
force shall, subject to the provisions of sections 327 and
328, have the right to vote for any political party or
candidate according to his/her own free will and choice in
any election from that constituency.
Source:
Bhutan Electoral Law (2008), Chapter 17, Article 326:
https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law; “Ley del Régimen Electoral — Ley 026”, art. 45, 232 (a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-ley-026-2010-regimen-electoral-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/09
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
a. Yes
|
Everyone over 18 is entered automatically
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arts. 3.1-3
http://izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version_2018.pdf
|
2025/06/23
|
|
Botswana
|
b. No
|
Registration is voluntary and continuous.
Source:
Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 7, 10: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
|
2014/10/27
|
|
Brazil
|
a. Yes
|
Article 14. Popular sovereignty shall be exercised by universal suffrage and by direct and secret voting, with equal value for all, and, in accordance with the law, through:
§ 1º Voter registration and voting are:
I – mandatory for those over eighteen years of age;
II – optional for:
a) illiterates;
b) those over seventy years of age;
c) those over sixteen and under eighteen years of age.
Electoral Code:
Article 6.
Voter registration and voting are mandatory for Brazilians of both sexes, except:
I – regarding voter registration:
a) the disabled;
b) those over seventy years of age;
c) those who are outside the country.
II – regarding voting:
a) the sick;
b) those who are outside their domicile;
c) civil and military employees on duty that prevents them from voting.
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Article 14 (1):
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Electoral Code - Law No. 4,737, of July 15, 1965, Article 6, 7, 8:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/codigo-eleitoral-1/codigo-eleitoral-lei-nb0-4.737-de-15-de-julho-de-1965
|
2024/10/16
|
|
Brunei Darussalam
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: http://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/fdl/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Brunei_Constitution_1959_amended%202011_EN.pdf (2013);
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html
|
2013/03/18
|
|
Bulgaria
|
a. Yes
|
A voter whose permanent and current address are in different locations, may apply to be registered in the electoral roll at current address not later than 14 days before election day. The request shall be made in writing to the mayor, district, city hall or deputy mayor and includes the personal identification number of the voter, the type and number of identity document and his signature or by electronic application through the website of the municipality at the current address of the person.
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 36
OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT (part D)
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/122987?download=true
|
2014/10/03
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 45: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
a. Yes
|
Voter registration is a prerequisite in order to be eligible to vote.
Source:
The Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, art. 6 (b): http://www.altsean.org/Research/2010/Resources/Laws/Pyithu%20Hluttaw%20Election%20Law.pdf (2013).
|
2015/11/17
|
|
Burundi
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Code, art. 12: https://courconstitutionnelle.gov.bi/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Code-Electoral_30092024095027.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Cambodia
|
b. No
|
To be eligible to vote, every citizen must have his/her name in the voter lists.
Source:
Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly, art. 50 46: http://ngocedaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tmp_11849-Draft-of-LEMNA-by-CNRP-CPP_March_08_2015132491924.pdf
|
2023/10/11
|
|
Cameroon
|
b. No
|
registration shall not be carried out automatically. It shall be done only at the express request of the elector
Source:
Electoral Code Chapter III section 72 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CM/cameroon-electoral-code-english-2012
|
2018/11/05
|
|
Canada
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Canada Elections Act (2015), Clause 48-49 & 52
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 95 (2): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 32, 33, 35: http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
b. No
|
However, persons must be registered in order to vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009”, Section 90–92: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-constitution-2009/ ;
Electoral Law: “Elections Act (2021 Revision)”, Section 11: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-elections-act-2021-revision/ ;
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Registration on the electoral roll is compulsory.
Source:
Electoral Law N° 09.016, Art. 23: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Centrafrique/CODE_ELECTORAL-RCA-2-octobre-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law N° 003/PR/2008 amended by law n° 008/PR/2009, law n° 007/PR/2010 and law n° 020/PR/2010, art. 4, 8: https://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Chad_Electoral%20code_2009_fr.pdf(2016)
|
2019/04/23
|
|
Chile
|
a. Yes
|
Registration in the electoral roll is automatic.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Sistema de Inscripciones Electorales y Servicio Electoral (2016)”, art. 5 & 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-el-sistema-de-inscripciones/
|
2025/03/04
|
|
China
|
a. Yes
|
Prior to each election, voters who have reached the age of 18 since the last registration of voters or who have had their political rights restored after a period of deprivation of political rights has expired, shall be registered. Voters who have moved out of the electoral districts where they originally registered shall be included in the roll of voters in the electoral districts to which they have newly moved; those who are deceased or have been deprived of political rights according to law shall be removed from the roll.
Source:
Electoral Law, Art. 26
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Cocos (keeling) Islands
|
a. Yes
|
It is compulsory by law for all eligible Australian citizens to enrol and vote in federal elections, by-elections and referendums.
245
(1) It shall be the duty of every elector to vote at each election.
(Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, section 245).
156.
(1) It shall be the duty of every elector to record his vote at any election for the region or district for which he is enrolled unless he is prevented from doing so by absence from the State, or by illness or infirmity, or any physical incapacity on the day of the election.
(Western Australia Electoral Act 1907, section 156).
Source:
https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/
Commonwealth Electoral Act of 1918, as amended on 8 March 2019, section 245: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00103
Western Australia Electoral Act 1907, section 156: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_290_homepage.html
|
2019/08/01
|
|
Colombia
|
a. Yes
|
In order to vote it is obligatory to be registered.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 76 y 85: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
|
2024/12/12
|
|
Comoros
|
a. Yes
|
No one is eligible to vote unless his/her name is included in the electoral registry.
Source:
Law No 10-018/AU Amending certain provisions of the Electoral Act No. 07-001/AU of 14 January 2007, art. 10
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/KM/comores-electoral-law-2010/view (2016)
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Election law of 24 November 2001, Art. 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Loi électorale de la RDC (2015),art. 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
|
2016/11/29
|
|
Cook Islands
|
a. Yes
|
Every person qualified to be registered as an elector for any constituency shall make application to any Registrar for registration as an elector:
(a) within one month after the date on which he or she first becomes qualified to be registered as an elector; or
(b) within one month after the date on which, following a change in his or her place of actual residence from one constituency to another, he or she first becomes qualified to be registered as an elector of that other constituency.
Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to register shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100 on a first conviction, and to a fine not exceeding $200 on any subsequent conviction:
Source:
Electoral Law: Electoral At 2004, Art. 13(1) & 13(4)
|
2014/06/05
|
|
Costa Rica
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Law on list of Voters
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5867
|
2020/07/06
|
|
Cuba
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”, art. 80, 206: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”, art. 7, 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
a. Yes
|
--it appears that because the government maintains the voter rolls, it is compulsory to be on them, but it may no longer be compulsory to vote (Parliament must pass the Bill)--
OSCE REPORT: "Voter registration is maintained by the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the MoI. Every voter is issued a voting card, which can serve as an identification document on election day along with a number of other government issued documents. Voter lists are updated quarterly"
Source:
Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/05/31/government-abolishes-compulsory-voting/
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
a. Yes
|
The voters register is a duty for electoral bodies ex-officio, in case of the permanent voters list which is kept by the local authorities (so it is compulsory). In case of the special voters list (abroad)it depends on the request of the voter (it is voluntary).
Section D: There is no centralized voter register in the country and municipalities are responsible for voter registration. Voter registration is passive, except for citizens residing abroad who must actively register with the MFA
Voters have no duty to register themselves.
Source:
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 4-6.
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017) Section D
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
|
2023/09/18
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
b. No
|
Voter registration is a right and not an obligation.
Source:
Code électoral (2015), art. 5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CI/cote-divoire-code-electoral-2015/view
|
2016/12/01
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Yes
|
Done automatically through a citizens register.
Source:
Anne Birte Pade, Head of Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
adp(a)im.dk
Klaus Josefsen, Election Unit, Ministry of Interior,
kjo(a)im.dk
Folketing (Parliamentary) Elections Act, Part 4 art.16(1).
|
2019/05/27
|
|
Djibouti
|
a. Yes
|
The right to vote is subject to prior registration in the electoral register in the administrative district where voters have their domicile or residence.
Source:
Electoral Law n° 1/ AN /92 regulating elections, as amended by Organic Law n ° L 11/AN/02/4, art.4
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/DJ/djibouti-electoral-law-1992/view (2016)
|
2018/03/30
|
|
Dominica
|
b. No
|
Every person who is registered as aforesaid in any constituency shall, unless he is disqualified by Parliament from voting in that constituency in any election of Representative, be entitled so to vote, in accordance with the provisions of any law in that behalf, and no other person may so vote.
Neither registration or voting is compulsory in Dominica.
Source:
Constitution of Dominica, Art. 33: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
|
2014/12/16
|
|
Dominican Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Ley Electoral “Ley Orgánica de Régimen Electoral No. 15-19 art. 80 : http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-ley-organica-de-regimen/ (2019)
|
2020/02/05
|
|
Ecuador
|
a. Yes
|
A voter cannot vote unless listed in the electoral roll. However, an attendance certificate shall be provided.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 12, 50, 78, 80, 122: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
|
2025/03/13
|
|
Egypt
|
a. Yes
|
All persons, both male and female, having the right to exercise political rights shall be recorded in the electoral register.
Source:
Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 4:
http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
|
2025/09/23
|
|
El Salvador
|
a. Yes
|
In order to exercise the right to vote, registration in the Electoral Roll is required.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Presidential decree No. 40/ 2013 of 28 March 2013: http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/imgdb/2013/DecretoNum.40_2013%281%29.pdf (2013);
Law No. 7/2012 of 16 November 2012 regulating elections to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, municipal elections and referenda
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Eritrea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution art. 20
Elections Act, art. 18
|
2007/09/28
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Yes
|
§ 20: (1) Voters shall be registered in the population register.
Source:
Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016 , § 20(1).
|
2019/02/19
|
|
Ethiopia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007, art. 33 (1) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-proclamatio-no.-532-2007-amending-the/view
|
2015/05/18
|
|
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
|
a. Yes
|
There is no same-day registration to take part in elections or referendums.
Source:
Constitution: “Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008”, Section 32: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-constitution-2008/ ;
Electoral Law: “Electoral Ordinance 1988”, Section 8–8C, 15: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-electoral-ordinance-1988/ ;
|
2022/04/19
|
|
Fiji
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, sec. 55: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-constitution-2013/at_download/file (2014).
Electoral Registration of Voters Decree, sec. 3 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-registration-of-voters-decree-no.-54-of-2012/view (2014).
|
2018/04/20
|
|
Finland
|
a. Yes
|
Section 18 — The Population Register Centre shall establish a register at least 46 days prior to the polling day in which each person is entered who, according to the Population Information System, has the right to vote in the upcoming elections
Source:
Election Act 714/1998 as amended, Section 18
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/5672
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
a. Yes
|
a) Nonetheless, no sanctions are imposed to non-registered citizens
Source:
Electoral Code, Art. L9
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D743CF8B04937AC5B31672959A9CEA59.tplgfr23s_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006164051&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
|
2020/06/21
|
|
French Guiana
|
a. Yes
|
a. Nonetheless, non-registred citizens are not liable to prosecution.
Source:
Electoral code, article L.9
|
2007/01/10
|
|
French Polynesia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Code, Paragraph 1 and Article L.9.
|
2004/01/15
|
|
Gabon
|
b. No
|
Enrollment in the voters register is optional.
Source:
Law No. 7/96 of 12 March 1996 establishing common rules for all political elections, with all the subsequent amendments, art. 48
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GA/gabon-code-electoral-2005/view (2017)
|
2025/05/13
|
|
Gambia
|
b. No
|
A register of voters shall contain the names of persons who are entitled and apply to be registered in a constituency.
Source:
Elections Decree 78 of 1996, part III, section 11 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GM/gambia-elections-decree-78-of-1996/view; (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
a. Yes
|
During the election period, the Electoral Administration of Georgia shall verify the voters' lists.
Source:
The Election Code of Georgia, art. 31:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=87
|
2024/07/25
|
|
Germany
|
a. Yes
|
The local authority must include all eligible citizens on the voter registry, however it is not mandatory to vote.
Source:
Federal Elections Act, Art. 17
https://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/en/dam/jcr/4ff317c1-041f-4ba7-bbbf-1e5dc45097b3/bundeswahlgesetz_engl.pdf
Federal Electoral Regulations, Art 14, 16
https://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/en/dam/jcr/e146a529-fd3b-4131-9588-8242c283537a/bundeswahlordnung_engl.pdf
|
2025/03/06
|
|
Ghana
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, art. 42 (a):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GH/ghana-constitution-1992-with-amendments-through/view
|
2016/09/21
|
|
Gibraltar
|
b. No
|
"(2) An applicant wishing to be included in the register of electors must have been continuously living in Gibraltar for a period of not less than six months prior to the date on which his application for registration in the register of electors is received by the registration officer (in this Act referred to as ‘the qualifying period’)."
Source:
Parliament Act Number 1950-15, Part II, Article 3(2).
https://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/1950-15o.pdf
|
2019/11/04
|
|
Greece
|
a. Yes
|
Compulsory for every voter above 18.
Source:
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 8:3
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
|
2020/07/26
|
|
Greenland
|
a. Yes
|
Registration of voters is automatic since census data is transferred to the electoral roll for use annually.
|
2012/06/14
|
|
Grenada
|
b. No
|
But in order to be able to vote, voters should be included in the electoral register and their name should appear in the official list of electors for that polling division.
|
2012/01/25
|
|
Guadeloupe
|
a. Yes
|
a) Nonetheless, non-registered citizens are not liable to prosecution.
Source:
Electoral code, article L.9
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Guam
|
b. No
|
Source:
3 Guam Code:
https://gec.guam.gov/index.php/about-the-gec/election-laws-rules-regulations
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 136 a): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 3 & 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
b. No
|
Registration on the voters' register is a DUTY for all citizens meeting the prescribed legal requirements.
Source:
Electoral Code No. 91/012/CTRN, art. 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GN/guinea-constitution-2010-english-version/view
|
2017/01/26
|
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
a. Yes
|
The registration of voters in the Electoral Roll is obligatory.
Source:
Law of 12 December 2009 on the National Electoral Commission, art. 64 (c): http://www.cne-guinebissau.org/phocadownload/lei_da_cne.pdf (2012);
Law No. 2/98 on Voter Registration ("Lei do Recenseamento Eleitoral"), art. 2, 3: http://www.anpguinebissau.org/leis/legislacao/lei-do-recenseamento-eleitoral/ (2012)
|
2014/06/24
|
|
Guyana
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 59
|
2015/05/11
|
|
Haiti
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Le Moniteur sous la direction de Beauzile, Fritzner, « Loi électoral », http://haitijustice.com/pdf/legislation/loi-electorale-haiti-2013.pdf, Art. 22, 168ième année No. 229, 2013, P.9.
|
2015/04/08
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Honduras
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de 1982", art. 39, 43-B, 56: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-constitucion-politica-de-1982-2021/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral de Honduras”, art. 82, 83, 85, 87 & 88: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-ley-electoral-2021-con-reformas-2021/
|
2025/08/07
|
|
Hong Kong
|
b. No
|
You voluntarily apply to register as an elector.
24(1)(b) Subject to this Part, a person is eligible to be registered as an elector for a geographical constituency only if the person applies in accordance with this Part to be registered as such an elector and is entitled to be so registered.
Source:
Legislative Council Ordinance Sec.24 (1)-(b): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/HK/hong-kong-legislative-council-ordinance-cap-542
|
2021/06/07
|
|
Hungary
|
a. Yes
|
Eligible voters and citizens are automatically entered into the register.
Source:
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 81-83: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
|
2018/07/30
|
|
Iceland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 1-2
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/3897/file/Iceland_Act_Parliamentary_Elections_to_Althing_2000_en.pdf
|
2020/07/27
|
|
India
|
b. No
|
Based on a door-to-door survey, the names of those surveyed are put in the voter register "automatically" by the surveyor. The voter does not have to apply to be on the voter register and in that sense it is automatic. The census data is analysed to check the gaps in electoral roll, particularly, in the areas of gender ratio, elector population ratio, age cohort in enrolment. The Chief Electoral Officers propose the strategy to remove the imbalances observed in the areas.
Source:
Representation of People Act 1950, Sec 23: http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/03_representation%20of%20the%20people%20act%2C%201950.pdf
Manual on Electoral Rolls (October 26- Document 10 - Edition 1): file:///C:/Users/Risa.Arai/Downloads/Manual%20on%20Electoral%20Roll,%202016%20-%20(%20English%20).pdf
|
2019/04/11
|
|
Indonesia
|
b. No
|
A person, who is a citizen of Pakistan, is not less than 18 years of age on the first day of January of the year in which the rolls are prepared or revised, is not declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind and is or is deemed to be a resident of an electroal area, can get himself enrolled as a voter in that electoral area.
Source:
The Electoral Rolls Act 1974
https://pakvoter.org/wp-content/pdfs/Pakistan%20Election%20Laws/THE%20ELECTORAL%20ROLLS%20ACT%201974.pdf
Official webiste of Election Commission of Pakistan: https://ecp.gov.pk/election-laws-eligibility-to-be-a-voter
|
2024/01/31
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
b. No
|
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the affairs of the country must be administered on the basis of public opinion expressed by the means of elections, including the election of the President, the representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the members of councils, or by means of referenda in matters specified in other articles of this Constitution.
Source:
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 6: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law of the Iraqi Parliament, Article 5(4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/iraq-electoral-law-of-the-iraqi-parliament-2013/view
Regulation No. 18, Voting, Counting and Sorting, 3(1):http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/iraq-regulation-no.-18-voting-counting-and-sorting/view
|
2018/04/19
|
|
Ireland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Act 1992, Art. 7, 8, 13; https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/enacted/en/print#sec64
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
a. Yes
|
The registry is prepared automatically, and includes all those with the right to vote.
Source:
Maria Gratschew, Voter turnout project, International IDEA
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Italy
|
a. Yes
|
All citizens are automatically registered as voters.
Source:
Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 1
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Jamaica
|
b. No
|
(4) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as making it obligatory for any person to be registered under this Act.
Source:
Representation of the People Act, Art. 5(4)
|
2025/09/22
|
|
Japan
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Public Office Election Act, Art. 19 (1&2), 22:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
|
2019/07/09
|
|
Jordan
|
a. Yes
|
All eligible voters will be on the voters' registers.
|
2016/08/03
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
b. No
|
Every voter has the right to register as a voter in the relevant local executive body from the moment of announcement or appointment of elections.
Source:
Constitutional Law on Elections of the Republic of Kazakhstan as amended on June 29, 2018, art. 24: https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/the-laws-of-the-rk.php
|
2024/10/18
|
|
Kenya
|
b. No
|
One can be on the voter's register upon registration
Source:
Constitution, art. 38(3) & 83
|
2024/12/06
|
|
Kiribati
|
b. No
|
Every person who desires and is entitled to be registered as an elector in any ward may make application in person to the Electoral Officer for the electoral district who shall, if he is satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be registered as an elector for the ward and is not registered as an elector in another ward, whether in that electoral district or elsewhere, enter the applicant's name and the date in the register of elections for that ward.
Source:
Subsidiary Legislation: Elections Regulation Article 3 under Elections Ordinance
http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
|
c. No information available
|
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
b. No
|
An official list of eligible voters shall be finalized 12 days before the election day.
Where the head of a Gu/Si/Gun makes an error so that a rightful eligible voter is found to be omitted in the official list of eligible voters from the day following the date when the objection period expires as provided in Article 41 (1) to the day preceding the date when the official list of eligible voters becomes final as provided in Article 44 (1), the eligible voter in question or the head of the Gu/Si/Gun concerned may request the competent Gu/Si/Gun election commission in writing to enter the omitted person in the official list of eligible voters, by appending explanatory materials, such as a certified copy of such person's resident registration card
Source:
Public Official Election Act, Article 39-44: https://www.nec.go.kr/site/eng/ex/bbs/List.do?cbIdx=1280
|
2024/08/28
|
|
Kuwait
|
b. No
|
Source:
Law No. 35 of 1962 on the election of members of Parliament with its amendments: http://www.gcc-legal.org/mojportalpublic/LawAsPDF.aspx?opt&country=1&LawID=2687#Section_3508 (2013)
|
2013/01/31
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
a. Yes
|
1. With a view of exercising electoral rights, familiarization of voters with data on themselves, as well as voting a voter list is compiled for each polling station.
2. The citizens possessing active electoral right as of election day and having passed the biometric registration as prescribed by the law, are included into voter lists.
3. Compilation of a voter list is provided based on personal data (including biometrical) kept in the Unified State Population Register within the boundaries of electoral precincts.
Source:
Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 14 (1-3): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
|
2021/02/24
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 5. (1) The Register shall include, update and store data on competent citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 on the day of elections to the Saeima, the European Parliament, a town council, a county council or a parish council, or on the day of nation-wide referendum (hereinafter also referred to as “the elections), and who are filed with the Register of Residents.
(2) The Register shall include, update and store data on competent citizens of the European Union who are not citizens of Latvia and have reached the age of 18 on the day of elections to the European Parliament, and who are filed with the Register of Residents or have applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in relation to whom the Central Election Commission has made a decision on their inclusion on the Register in accordance with the law.
Source:
Law: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004, art. 5.
|
2014/10/03
|
|
Lebanon
|
a. Yes
|
It is required for voters to be on the electoral lists and no one shall be restricted except those stated in the provisions of Article 461 of the Penal Code.
Source:
Parliamentary Election Law, art. 24: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
a. Yes
|
Registration on the voters roll is compulsory. Continuous registration.
Source:
National Assembly Electoral Act, 2011 Article 4
|
2017/07/19
|
|
Liberia
|
b. No
|
Source:
The New Elections Law (2016, with amendments up until and including 2014), Chapter 3, Art. 3.1, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view; The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Art. 77 (b), http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Voter Registration Regulation for the Elections of the Council of Representatives, Attached to the Decision of the Board of Commission No. (49) 2014, Article 1(1&2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LY/libya-voter-registration-regulation-for-the/view
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Pricipality of Liechtenstein, Parliamentary Elections 7 February 2021, Needs Assessment Mission Report, 2020 (7)
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/f/473469.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Yes
|
All citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the right to vote shall be entered on the electoral roll of the Republic of Lithuania according to the data of issuance of the document (passport or identity card) certifying citizenship, and according to the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania. State and municipal institutions and establishments which issue documents certifying citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, keep information related to the statement of citizens’ residence, register citizens’ death and loss of citizenship shall also be responsible for a timely and proper updating of the Residents' Register of the Republic of Lithuania. Electoral rolls compiled according to the data of the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania shall be preliminary lists.
Source:
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 26 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
|
2020/06/05
|
|
Luxembourg
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral law, Art. 4,9-17, 89: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/68/Luxembourg_electoral%20code_2003_amended2016_FR.pdf
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Electoral Code, Art. 41:
(4) All citizens who have turned 18 years of age, with residence on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and who possess a valid ID card or travel document shall be registered in the Voter Register.
(5)All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia who are temporarily employed or residing abroad, with residence on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and with a valid travel documents hall also be registered in the Voter List. These persons shall be registered according to their last residence in the Republic of Macedonia prior to their departure abroad.
Source:
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 41: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Madagascar
|
a. Yes
|
Voter registration is obligatory in order to exercise the right to vote.
Source:
Organic Law n° 2012-005 on the Electoral Code, art. 2: http://mdm-national.mg/bureau/textes-reglementaires/textes-reglementaires/ (2013)
|
2013/02/11
|
|
Malawi
|
b. No
|
Registration voluntary and periodic.
Source:
Malawi Electoral laws: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MW/malawi-electoral-laws-2019. Art 21-24
|
2025/05/26
|
|
Malaysia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Elections Act 1958 with the subsequent amendments: http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%201/Act%2019%20-%20Elections%20Act%201958.pdf (2013);
Registration of Electors Regulations 2002: http://myoverseasvote.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/elections-registration-of-electors-regulations-2002.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution 2008: http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf (2013)
Elections (General) Act (2008):https://www.elections.gov.mv/en/core/download/Elections%20General%20Act%202008.pdf
|
2019/02/13
|
|
Mali
|
b. No
|
Dans la mesure où le vote est volontaire,il ne peut être obligatoire de figurer sur le registre électoral
Source:
ART 2 du Code Electoral.
Verified by Mamadou Seck, Forum Civil, [email protected], 2008-02-20
|
2008/03/28
|
|
Malta
|
b. No
|
Source:
General Elections Act, Art. 21: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
a. Yes
|
"It is the duty of all eligible voters to ensure that they are at all times correctly entered in the Register."
Source:
Elections and Referenda Act, as amended, sec. 130. https://rmiparliament.org/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1980/1980-0020/ElectionsandReferendaAct1980_5.pdf
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Martinique
|
a. Yes
|
a) Nonetheless, non-registered citizens are not liable to prosecution.
Source:
Electoral code, article L.9
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Mauritania
|
b. No
|
Source:
ORDINANCE No. 87-289 October 20, 1987, art. 98, 99: http://www.ige.gov.mr/fr/pdf/ORDONNANCEN87-289.pdf (2012)
|
2024/10/28
|
|
Mauritius
|
a. Yes
|
Registration compulsory. Continuous registration, updated by annual registration drives.
Source:
Electoral Law: The Representation of the People Act, art. 4, 9, 12, 24, 25, 36.
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Mexico
|
a. Yes
|
In order to exercise the right to vote, the citizens are obliged to register themselves in the electoral register.
Source:
Electoral Law: "Ley General de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales", arts. 9, 130 & 131: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-lgipe-2024/
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Yes
|
No person shall be entitled to vote in any National Election, or to be listed upon the National Voter Register, or upon any Signature List, who fails to register to vote with the National Election Office or State Election Office at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
Source:
The National Election Code, Title 9, Chapter 4, Section 402 (1): http://fsmlaw.org/fsm/code/title09/T9_Ch4_2014.html
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
The State Registry of Voters is a single integrated information system for keeping records on Moldovan
voters. It is designed to collect, store, update and review the data on the Moldovan citizens who have attained
the age of 18 years and have no statutory prohibitions to vote.
Source:
Electoral Law: Electoral Code, No. 1381-XIII of 21.11.97 as amended in 2010, article 42:1.
|
2021/04/05
|
|
Monaco
|
a. Yes
|
The electoral list includes all voters who are not deprived of the right to vote.
Source:
Law 839 regulating communal and national elections, as amended in 2002, Art.
https://legimonaco.mc/tnc/loi/1968/02-23-839/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Mongolia
|
b. No
|
Electoral rolls are prepared based on the civil registration and national database.
Source:
Electoral Law of 2016, Art. 61: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7739/file/Mongolia_law_elections_2015_am2016_en.pdf
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. Yes
|
Registration is done ex officio.
Source:
Law: Law on Registers of Electors (2006) art. 2.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4189/file/Montenegro_Law%20on%20Register%20of%20Electors%202008.pdf
|
2021/12/22
|
|
Montserrat
|
b. No
|
"15. (1) Any person who becomes qualified to vote under section 12 of
this Act may apply to the Supervisor of Elections in such form as may be
prescribed by Regulations made by the Governor in Council to have his or
her name included in the voters list."
It is however compulsory in order to vote.
Source:
Elections Act, Art. 15
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Morocco
|
b. No
|
30. The voter registration system in the Kingdom of Morocco is active, i.e., voters must submit a registration request to qualify as voters. Voter registration is voluntary and permanent, once completed.
Source:
Council of Europe, Information Report on municipal and regional elections in the Kingdom of Morocco 8 September 2021 (2022): https://search.coe.int/congress/pages/result_details.aspx?objectid=0900001680a5ae69
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
a. Yes
|
Registration is compulsory and constitutes a prerequisite for the exercise of the right to vote.
Source:
Law No. 8/2013 of 27 February 2013 regulating presidential and legislative elections (as amended by Law No. 12/2014), art. 4 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MZ/Mozambique-Law-No.-12-2014-of-13-April-2014/view (2014);
Law No. 5/2013 of 22 February 2013 regulating voter registration (as amended by Law No. 8/2014), art. 2, 5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/MZ/law-no.-8-2014-of-12-march-2014-amending-law-no.-5/view (2014).
|
2014/10/02
|
|
Namibia
|
b. No
|
Registration voluntary and continuous.
Source:
Electoral Law: ElElectoral Act, art. 28.
|
2012/06/25
|
|
Nauru
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Act 2016, Art. 38-39. (http://ronlaw.gov.nr/nauru_lpms/files/acts/d83250a1ebdc56c1701fa7aa245af5b1.pdf).
|
2019/07/05
|
|
Nepal
|
b. No
|
Only the registered voters whose name is in final voter list can cast their vote in election.
Source:
Voter role Act, 2017 Section 23: http://www.election.gov.np/ecn/uploads/userfiles/voterlistlaw.pdf (2018)Article
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
a. Yes
|
Voter registration is passive and based on extracts of the unified population register maintained by municipalities.
Source:
OSCE ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report, The Netherlands Parliamentary Elections 17 March 2021 (5);
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/4/0/478501.pdf
Act of 28 September 1989 containing new provisions governing the franchise and elections (Elections Act): B1(1)
http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/Netherlands/Netherlands_Elections%20Act_1989am2009.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Caledonia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Code, paragraph 1 and article L.9.
|
2004/01/14
|
|
New Zealand
|
a. Yes
|
All electors are required to register in the Parliamentary Electoral Roll. If a person knowingly and willfully fails to apply for registration, s/he can be convicted with a $100 fine on the first conviction ($200 on subsequent convictions).
Certain restrictions prohibit some constituents from registering.
Source:
Electoral Act 1993, Art. 82 :
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/NZ/new-zealand-electoral-act-2010/view (2017);
Elections New Zealand Official Website: http://www.elections.org.nz (2017)
|
2024/07/10
|
|
Nicaragua
|
a. Yes
|
In order to exercise the suffrage right, citizens ought to be in full possession of their rights and be registered in the electoral rolls and the permanent electoral roll.
Source:
Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 31, 116 (2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
|
2016/06/07
|
|
Niger
|
a. Yes
|
Registration in the electoral roll is an essential requirement in order to exercise the right to vote.
Source:
Loi 2014-01 du 28 mars 2014, portant régime général des élections présidentielles, locales et référendaires (2014), art. 4, 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/NE/niger-loi-2014-01-du-28-mars-2014-portant-regime/
|
2017/02/01
|
|
Nigeria
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Act 2010, art. 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/NG/nigeria-electoral-act-2010/view
|
2018/11/12
|
|
Niue
|
a. Yes
|
"Every person who is or becomes qualified to be registered as an elector shall make application in the prescribed form to the Registrar in charge of the roll for the constituency for registration as an elector."
Source:
Niue Assembly Act 1966, as amended, Art. 14.
|
2012/07/04
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/12/pl12-18.pdf
|
2024/12/11
|
|
Norway
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
The Election Act, Ch. 2, Art. 2-3, 2-5: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Oman
|
b. No
|
Source:
Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" (2014) Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
|
2025/05/06
|
|
Pakistan
|
b. No
|
A person, who is a citizen of Pakistan, is not less than 18 years of age on the first day of January of the year in which the rolls are prepared or revised, is not declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind and is or is deemed to be a resident of an electroal area, can get himself enrolled as a voter in that electoral area.
Source:
The Electoral Rolls Act 1974
https://pakvoter.org/wp-content/pdfs/Pakistan%20Election%20Laws/THE%20ELECTORAL%20ROLLS%20ACT%201974.pdf
Official webiste of Election Commission of Pakistan: https://ecp.gov.pk/election-laws-eligibility-to-be-a-voter
|
2024/01/31
|
|
Palau
|
b. No
|
No provisions for compulsory registration. Provisions are made for registration for all qualified voters, in addition to a provision requiring registration as a prerequisite to voting. Must be on voter registration, however, in order to vote.
Source:
Constitution; Voting Rights Act of 1981, as amended, Sec. 1402 (23 PNCA §1402).
|
2012/07/12
|
|
Palestine
|
b. No
|
Source:
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections, art. 30: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Panama
|
a. Yes
|
It is an essential requirement in order to exercise the right to vote.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 143 (5, 6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 1, 5–7, 9 (2), 13–15, 21–28, 30: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law (National Elections) Regulation 2007, Section 25: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/llg_electoral_regulation_2007.pdf (2012);
Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 57: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
a. Yes
|
Paraguayan citizens and foreigners eligible to vote are obliged to enrol themselves in the Permanent Civic Register.
Source:
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 113:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/paraguay-codigo-electoral-2014/ (2014)
|
2023/03/16
|
|
Peru
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política del Perú”, arts. 30 & 31: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-constitucion-politica-2019/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley 26859, orgánica de elecciones”, art. 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-ley-26859-organica-elecciones-2019/
|
2020/01/28
|
|
Philippines
|
a. Yes
|
In order that a qualified elector may vote in any election, plebiscite or referendum, he/she must be registered in the permanent list of voters for the city or municipality in which he resides.
Voters must also submit themselves for validation as part of the biometric voter registration process in order to be registered.
Source:
The Omnibus Election Code ("Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, s. 1985"), Sec. 4, 115: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/OmnibusElectionCode (2016);
Act No. 10367 of 2013 providing for mandatory biometrics voter registration: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=VoterRegistration/RelatedLaws/RA10367 (2016)
|
2016/05/11
|
|
Pitcairn Islands
|
b. No
|
"11. The following persons being of or over the age of eighteen years shall be qualified to vote—
(a) [every person who has the right of abode on Pitcairn, who at the time of the elections is normally resident on the Island and has been so resident for a continuous period of not less than one year, and who intends to remain on the Island indefinitely;
(b) every person who at the time of the elections is normally resident on the Island and has been so resident for a continuous period of not less than three years and intends to remain there indefinitely; the spouse of any person qualified to vote under paragraphs (a) or (b) who lives with that person on the Island as his or her spouse and has done so for a continuous period of not less than one year regardless of the nationality of such spouse;
the de facto marital partner of any person qualified to vote under paragraph (a) or (b) who lives with that person on the Island as his or her partner and has done so for a continuous period of not less than two years regardless of the nationality of such partner.]"
Source:
Laws of Pitcairn Chapter XI Local Government Ordinance, Part III, Article 11
http://www.government.pn/Laws/Cap%2011%20-%20Local%20Government%20Ordinance.pdf
|
2019/11/06
|
|
Poland
|
a. Yes
|
The register of voters confirms the right to vote and right to be elected.
Source:
Election Code: Act of 5 January 2011 on Election Code to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and to the Senate of the Republic of Poland, article 18 (5): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/40/POL_Election%20Code.pdf
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
a. Yes
|
Article 113 of the Constitution:
2. Without prejudice to the provisions of Articles 15(4) and (5) and 121(2), electoral registration is
conducted at the initiative of the citizen and is compulsory and permanent, and there is a single
registration system for all elections that are held by direct, universal suffrage.
Source:
Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Seventh Revision [2005], Article 113(2): https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/Constitution7th.pdf
Official Website of Ministry of Internal Administration, Secretary General:
https://www.sg.mai.gov.pt/AdministracaoEleitoral/FAQs/RecenseamentoEleitoral/Paginas/default.aspx
|
2024/10/10
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
a. Yes
|
If a voter fails to exercise his/her right to vote in two general elections, his/her file in the General Voter Registry shall be disabled.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 5.2, 5.10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
|
2020/11/03
|
|
Qatar
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
https://www.idea.int/blog/stability-or-elections-look-qatars-2024-constitutional-referendum
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Romania
|
a. Yes
|
Article 22: (1) The electoral register shall represent a centralised database comprising all Romanian citizens, including those with the domicile or residence abroad, who have reached the age of 18, with a right to vote.
Source:
Electoral Law: Law No. 35 of 13 March 2008 for the election to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, art. 22.
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4224/file/ROM%20Election%20Laws_en.pdf
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Yes
|
1. Voters and referendum participants shall also be subject to registration/recording.
Source:
Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 16: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
|
2024/03/25
|
|
Rwanda
|
b. No
|
Source:
Law governing elections in Rwanda Chapter 1 article 12. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-organic-law-nb0-17-2003-of-07-07-2003/view
|
2024/12/04
|
|
Réunion
|
a. Yes
|
a) Nonetheless, non-registered citizens are not liable to prosecution.
Source:
Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Saint Helena
|
b. No
|
Source:
Carol George, Office of the Chief Secretary, Saint Helena
|
2007/01/19
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
b. No
|
However, one must be registered in order to vote.
Source:
Article 34, Constitution
|
2020/04/15
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
b. No
|
No, but it is compulsory in order to vote.
Source:
C: 33.
|
2012/01/26
|
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|
b. No
|
Only in order to be able to exercise the right to vote.
Source:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Electoral Law, article 5: https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Electoral/StVincent/StV&Gr.html
|
2021/12/27
|
|
Samoa
|
a. Yes
|
Every person qualified to be registered as an elector or a voter shall (if he or she is in Samoa) make application in the prescribed form to the Commissioner of Electors for registration as an elector or voter within one month after the date upon which he or she turns 21 years old.
Source:
The Electoral Act 2019, Article 13 (1): https://www.palemene.ws/wp-content/uploads/Electoral-Act-2019-Eng.pdf (2021)
|
2021/04/09
|
|
San Marino
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral law N.6 of 31 January 1996, Art. 6: http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/contents/instance18/files/document/21801leggi_5336.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/28
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 2, 107: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
d. Not applicable
|
There are no provisions for direct national elections, since it is the King who appoints the members of the Shura Council. Only municipal elections are held in Saudi Arabia.
Source:
Shura Council Law: http://www.shura.gov.sa/wps/wcm/connect/ShuraEn/internet/Laws+and+Regulations/The+Shura+Council+and+the+rules+and+regulations+job/Shura+Council+Law/ (2012);
The Basic Law of Governance: http://www.boe.gov.sa/ViewSystemDetails.aspx?lang=en&SystemID=4 (2012)
|
2012/08/20
|
|
Senegal
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Code 2012, art. L.29: http://www.elections2012.sn/images/stories/CE2012.pdf (2017)
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Serbia
|
a. Yes
|
The registration in the Register of Voters is a precondition for the exercise of voting rights.
Source:
Electoral Law: Law on the Unified Electoral Roll, art. 1.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/serbia-the-law-on-the-single-electoral-register/view
|
2022/07/18
|
|
Seychelles
|
b. No
|
A person who is a citizen of Seychelles and has attained the age of eighteen years is entitled to be registered as a voter.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (2011), art. 114 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-constitution-2011/view
|
2025/02/28
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
b. No
|
Every citizen of Sierra Leone being eighteen years of age and above and of sound mind shall have the right to vote, and accordingly shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda. Constitution, art. 31
Source:
Constitution (2008), art. 31: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SL/sierra-leone-constitution-2008/;
|
2017/01/13
|
|
Singapore
|
b. No
|
For each election, the Registration Officer shall prepare a separate register of electors for each electoral division and shall enter in the register the names of all persons who are qualified.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Yes
|
Everyone who under law has the right to vote is enlisted in a permanent voter list in municipality in the territory of which he/she has permanent residence.
Act On Elections to the National Council: 6(1) A citizen of the Slovak Republic who has permanent residence in the country and who has the right to vote shall be registered in a permanent register pursuant to his or her place of permanent residence. An elector may be registered in only one permanent register.
Source:
Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Yes
|
The Report:"There are three types of voter lists used for elections to the National Assembly: general voter lists, which include all citizens who are eligible to vote, voter lists of citizens who are residing abroad, and voter lists for the Italian and Hungarian national minority communities."
Source:
OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report on Early Elections on the National Assembly on 4 December 2011 in the Republic of Slovenia. Warsaw. 2011. Available at: http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/84558
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
b. No
|
Art. 55 (1): Subject to the provisions of this section, a person shall be entitled to be registered as an elector.
Source:
Constitution of 1978, Art. 55 (1), https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf?lang=en (2019.)
|
2019/03/01
|
|
Somalia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
b. No
|
Registration voluntary and continuous, revision drive before election.
Source:
Electoral Act of 1998 (as amended to 2013), Section 5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZA/south-africa-electoral-act-73-of-1998-as-amended/view
|
2019/05/20
|
|
South Sudan
|
a. Yes
|
In order to be eligible to vote, citizens must be registered in the Electoral Register.
Source:
National Elections Act 2012, art. 33 (c), 34 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SS/south-sudan-the-national-elections-act-no.-39-of/view
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 2.2 31 & 32.1:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
|
2025/04/02
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
b. No
|
No provision in Constitution for compulsory voter registration
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
|
2016/02/04
|
|
Sudan
|
a. Yes
|
No voter shall be eligible to participate in elections or referenda unless she/he was registered in the electoral registry three months before the date of election or referendum.
Source:
The National Elections Act 2008, art. 21 (c), 22 (4): http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/documents/Reports/Elections-09/nationalelectionsact2008.pdf (2012)
|
2012/09/04
|
|
Suriname
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 1987, Art. 13, 14, 16: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Electoral/Sur/suriname.html (2012)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Swaziland
|
b. No
|
Registration voluntary and continuous.
Source:
Electoral Law:Voters Registration Order, sec. 4.
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 2005, Ch. 5, Section 1: http://www.val.se/pdf/2005_elections_act.pdf (2012)
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Yes
|
Link to the residence register.
Source:
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02188/02194/index.html?lang=fr#sprungmarke1_5 (2014);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
|
2025/03/28
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Syrian Arab Republic
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c. No information available
|
|
2014/06/03
|
|
Taiwan
|
b. No
|
With the exception of citizens residing overseas during Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, citizens do not have to register to vote.
Source:
Central Election Commission
https://www.cec.gov.tw/english/cms/ctw
|
2020/04/13
|
|
Tajikistan
|
a. Yes
|
All the citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan, who have attained the age of 18 by the day of elections and at the time of compiling voter lists live permanently or temporarily in the territory of the relevant polling station and have the right to vote, are included into the voter lists.
Source:
The Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tajikistan On Elections to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Adopted on December 10, 1999 and amended as of June 16, 2004, art. 24
|
2025/02/17
|
|
Tanzania, United Republic of
|
c. No information available
|
|
2015/10/26
|
|
Thailand
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 95:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 23: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
|
2023/10/04
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
a. Yes
|
Registration of voters shall be compulsory and officially initiated, single and
universal, to be updated for each election.
Source:
Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, article 65 (2): https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Constitution_RDTL_ENG.pdf
Law on the Election of the National Parliament, article 4 (2): https://mj.gov.tl/jornal/lawsTL/RDTL-Law/RDTL-Laws/Law%20no.%207_2011%20Second%20Amendment%20to%20Law%206-2006%20of%20December%20%20Law%20on%20the%20Election%20of%20the%20National%20Parliament.pdf
|
2024/10/02
|
|
Togo
|
a. Yes
|
It is compulsory to be on the electoral rolls in order to be able to vote.
Source:
Electoral Code No. 2000-07 as amended, art. 52: http://www.ifes.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Election%20Law/2005/IFES_19/EL00062.pdf (2013)
|
2013/01/03
|
|
Tokelau
|
b. No
|
Source:
National Elections Rules 2013
http://www.paclii.org/tk/legis/consol_act_2016/ner2013241/
|
2020/01/22
|
|
Tonga
|
a. Yes
|
Every Tongan upon attaining the age of 21 years shall, unless disqualified under clause 64 of the Constitution, within 3 months of attaining that age or within 3 months of his return to the Kingdom if not already registered or within 3 months of becoming a naturalised Tongan subject, apply to the Supervisor in Form 1 of the Schedule to be entered on the roll for the district in which he is then residing. Failure to register constitutes an offence liable to punishment by a fine not exceeding $50.
Source:
Electoral Act (as amended in 2010), Art. 4 (3, 8): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
b. No
|
Persons must register to be eligible to vote, but a person not registered is not subject to any penalty.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 16(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Tunisia
|
b. No
|
The law explicitly mentions that voter registration is voluntary.
Source:
Organic Law n° 2014-16 of 26 May 2014 on Elections and Referenda, art. 7 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/TN/tunisia-organic-law-on-elections-and-referenda/view (2014).
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
b. No
|
A voter not contained in the ballot-box voter list shall not be entitled to cast votes.
Source:
Law on Basic Provisions on Elections and Voter Registers, art. 34: http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/1313/file/fc1948ff2445260c54d20269d70c.pdf
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
a. Yes
|
All citizens of Turkmenistan who have reached 18 years of age by polling day, residing in the territory of a given electoral precinct at the moment when the voter list is compiled and entitled to participate in voting, shall be included in the voter list. A voter may be included in a voter list in only one electoral precinct.
Source:
Law of Turkmenistan on Elections of Deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan (2008), art. 27;
Law on Elections of the President of Turkmenistan (2011), art. 25
|
2013/03/05
|
|
Turks and Caicos Islands
|
a. Yes
|
For citizens to be able to vote, timely registration is mandatory.
Source:
Constitution: “The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands”, Section 55: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-constitution-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Elections Ordinance”, Section 11: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-elections-ordinance-2018/
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Tuvalu
|
b. No
|
There is specific mandate requiring citizens to be registered to vote. The Constitution as well as additional legislation specify the requirements one must meet in order to be entitled to be registered. Registration is voluntary.
Source:
Electoral Provisions (Parliamentary) Act as amended, art. 5 (2); Constitution, art. 91.
|
2012/06/19
|
|
Uganda
|
b. No
|
It is the duty of every citizen of Uganda of 18 years of age or above to register as a voter for public elections and referenda. The State shall take all necessary steps to ensure that all citizens qualified to vote register and exercise their right to vote.
Any person who is a citizen of Uganda and is 18 years of age or above shall apply to be registered as a voter in a parish or ward where the person originates from or resides.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 59 (2,3): http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (2016);
Electoral Commission Act as amended in 2010, art. 19
http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Electoral%20Commission%20Act,%20Uganda.pdf(2016);
|
2016/02/29
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
The Law on Elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine (last amended in 2019), art. 39: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/4061-17
|
2019/03/12
|
|
United Arab Emirates
|
d. Not applicable
|
Only the members of the Electoral College have the right to vote in legislative elections.
Source:
Official Website of the National Electoral Committee: https://www.uaenec.ae/ar/about-us/national-committee-functions(2012)
|
2019/09/25
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
a. Yes
|
Citizens are legally obliged to respond to requests for registration information from their local electoral registration office. If they do not respond, or if they provide false information, they may receive a £1,000 fine. Not being registered may also affect their credit rating. However, citizens may register anonymously. If one is registered anonymously, instead of one’s name and address appearing on the electoral register, a code will be added to the register instead.
Source:
The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, art. 23;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/341/contents/data.pdf
https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/faq/registering-to-vote
|
2025/06/16
|
|
United States of America
|
b. No
|
"According to the U.S. Constitution, voting is a right and a privilege."
Source:
https://www.usa.gov/voting-laws
|
2024/10/15
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 77, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
Electoral law: Ley de Elecciones (Ley No. 7812), art. 1, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-ley-de-elecciones-ley-no.-7812-2014/view (2000).
|
2024/12/18
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
a. Yes
|
Uzbekistan uses a passive system for registering voters based on permanent or temporary residence. Eligible citizens are automatically added to the voter register based on continuously updated data from the country’s civil registry.
Source:
OSCE ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report, Republic of Uzbekistan, Presidential Election 24 October 2021: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/9/e/516435_0.pdf
|
2024/08/22
|
|
Vanuatu
|
b. No
|
Eligibility to vote and registration are not automatic
Source:
https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/em/electoral-management-case-studies/vanuatu-limitations-to-the-independence-of-the-emb
|
2016/01/26
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Yes
|
All Venezuelans who meet the requirements for the right and duty to vote and who have been issued a corresponding identity card will be automatically incorporated into the Electoral Registry, based on the data included in the Civil Registry.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica de Procesos Electorales”, art. 27: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-ley-organica-procesos-electorales-2009/
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Law of 1997 on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly, as amended and supplemented by laws No. 31/2001/QH10 and No: 63/2010/QH12, art. 22, 24: http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/lists/vn%20bn%20php%20lut/view_detail.aspx?itemid=2526 (2016)
|
2021/03/24
|
|
Virgin Islands, British
|
b. No
|
Voter registration is not compulsory.
Source:
Voter Registration and Transfer. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2019, from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/services/voter-registration-and-transfer
|
2019/02/21
|
|
Virgin Islands, U.S.
|
b. No
|
Source:
Election System of Virgin Islands, (http://www.vivote.gov)
|
2012/01/26
|
|
Wallis and Futuna
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Western Sahara
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
a. Yes
|
Each citizen whose name is entered in voters’ registers shall have the right to vote upon submission of a proper ID. Card, Voter Registration Card and/or any other statement on condition that a personal photograph is attached to such a statement.
Source:
General Elections and Referendum Law of 2001, art. 18: http://www.scer.org.ye/english/generalelectionslaw.htm (2012)
|
2012/08/22
|
|
Zambia
|
a. Yes
|
The Commission shall compile, maintain and update on a
continuing basis, a register of voters, which shall include the
names of all persons entitle to vote In any election under this
Act, local government election under the Local Government
Elections Act or referendum under the Referendum Act.
Source:
Electoral Act of Zambia, art. 4 (2)
http://www.elections.org.zm/media/electoral__act_2006.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/01
|
|
Zanzibar
|
a. Yes
|
There shall be no other person who shall be allowed to vote in a
constituency if his name is not listed in the permanent voters’ register in that particular constituency.
Source:
Electoral Act No. 11 of 1984 as amended, art. 13 (6)
http://www.temco.udsm.ac.tz/images/stories/Electral_Laws/ZANZIBAR-ELECTION-ACT-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
b. No
|
Registration voluntary and continuous. Registration closes 24 hours before nomination day.
Source:
Electoral Law: Electoral Act, art. 17A & 26A.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZW/zimbabwe-consolidated-electoral-act-amended-2018/view
https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4c46c1572.pdf
|
2023/09/25
|
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