For the first time in national elections, Portuguese people will be able to vote anywhere, without prior notice, in Portugal and abroad. “Anyone will be able to vote anywhere in the world where there is a voting table,” explains João Almeida from the National Electoral Commission.
One of the big problems that has arisen since June 9 is the increased risk of abstinence, since it is a typical vacation week leading up to several holidays. Thus, if a voter is from the north of the country and is located in the south, he can go to any polling station without registration. The usual voter lists located next to the ballot boxes will disappear and “dematerialized voter lists” will be used, that is, in computerized form. Each polling station will have two computers where those who have already voted will be registered. The process is almost instantaneous, so it is impossible to go to another location and vote again. For João Almeida, the problems of staff shortages are “not significant” because IT specialists are not needed. The same is true if you are abroad. “Outside, people start voting at 8am local time and finish on the 9th, 8pm on the Portuguese mainland,” explains the person in charge.
To vote in advance on June 2, you must register and select a polling place between May 26 and May 30.
TO LEARN MORE
EXPANDING MOBILITY IS HARD
This voting model is difficult to apply in legislative elections because each constituency has its own characteristics. “There are several ballot papers,” explains João Almeida. In the “presidential elections”, where there is one circle, it would be easier.
VOTERS CAN CHOOSE
In European elections, Portuguese living in another European country can vote on local lists. The same thing happens with European foreigners living in our country. They may choose to hold a national vote.
Author: Diogo Carreira
Source: CM Jornal
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