Sweden sends voting cards to 210,000 citizens abroad

Sweden is mailing voting cards to more than 210,000 citizens abroad, aiming to boost participation in the upcoming election. The Swedish Election Authority is intensifying efforts to encourage overseas voting, recognizing its potential to influence closely contested elections. This includes sending out informational letters and launching a campaign targeted at expatriates.

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Post the voting card as early as July 30 and well in advance. Make sure to fill in all the details.

In addition to traditional methods, digital voting cards have been introduced, and the number of polling stations abroad has increased to nearly 300, with extended hours. Overseas Swedes have the option to vote early at embassies and consulates worldwide or to vote by mail. The authority highlights that a common mistake leading to disqualification is failing to follow instructions precisely when filling out ballots.

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In the spring, we sent out letters to about 82,000 overseas Swedes who had fallen off the electoral roll to encourage them to re-register. We have also developed a guide on val.se for Swedes abroad and an information campaign targeting overseas Swedes that starts at the end of July.

In the 2022 election, 13% of mail-in votes were invalidated due to formal errors, such as missing voter signatures or witnesses. The Election Authority also noted issues with votes arriving too early or too late for counting, as well as incomplete information. To ensure their votes are counted, citizens abroad should mail their ballots no earlier than July 30, and early voting at consulates and embassies begins August 20.

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We also see that votes can arrive too early but also too late so that they do not reach the vote count. But it also happens that all the details are not filled in.