On International Migrants Day, Project Manager Diana Hincu writes to fellow diaspora about voting after a year of seismic elections and referenda, and with more on the horizon in 2025.

As we mark International Migrants Day, it’s a good time to reflect on the core rights tied to migration. Among them, the right to vote stands out. For migrants and diaspora members, casting a vote can be a powerful affirmation of identity, rights and sense of belonging.

Out-of-country voting has gained momentum in recent decades, driven by diaspora communities seeking inclusion. Whether this is a democratic standard or a contested question, it remains a path every country must weigh carefully. Moreover, to make voting a reality, governments must grapple with complex legal and political implications, as well as financial costs.

With 2024 as the biggest election year in history and 2025 heralding more important elections, it is timely to acknowledge the diaspora in the global electoral landscape, where voting can be both a reflection of identity and a deliberate contribution to shaping a nation’s path. Over to Diana, who invites the global community to approach diaspora voting with inclusivity, understanding, and a constructive mindset.

Dear diaspora voters,

As you sit hundreds or even thousands of miles away from your home country, know that your connection to the homeland is in no way diminished. In fact, it could be crucial.

With over 70 countries organizing elections in 2024, your participation and voting options abroad have gained attention worldwide and we have witnessed how diaspora voting and activism shape the global conversation on democracy.  As diaspora voter, you often navigate beyond binary choices – balancing identities, loyalties, and diverse perspectives as you cast your vote. Much like in chess, voting isn’t just about black and white – it’s about foresight, strategy, and the nuanced potential of each move.  In the diaspora this can be even more heightened.

I understand that voting from abroad can often feel like a daunting challenge, and in some cases, may not even seem legally possible. In fact, only 24% of 216 countries worldwide do not yet enfranchise their citizens abroad for elections. You read that right: the number of countries allowing diaspora voting has steadily increased over the past two decades, according to IDEA data base on voting from abroad.

Still, be aware that support for diaspora voting varies, with some countries facilitating it and others hindering it…

Having the right to vote often isn’t enough

Even when you are legally allowed to vote abroad, the process can be clumsy at best, byzantine at worst, with logistics and costs presenting yet further barriers for potential voters. Whilst some countries – such as Uganda and Nigeria – still require physical return voting, others cannot act on commitments to allow voting from abroad due to costs or limited consular coverage.

Lucky diaspora from Brazil and Mexico have options like proxy or postal voting, fax is an option for New Zealand, and e-voting for Estonia and the Philippines…The role of the government in facilitating fair and inclusive elections cannot be understated, this includes offering suitable options, as well as making processes accessible – one 2024 success story comes from Mexico’s simplified voter registration which has empowered more in the diaspora to shape the political decisions.

The political hot potato

The question of whether diasporas should have the right to vote is an old political hot potato deeply linked to the country’s migration and political history and present, but the ever-growing role of social media in spreading mis- and disinformation is turning up the temperature.  In Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, misinformation and external interference – particularly claims of Russian influence – escalated tensions surrounding diaspora voting. As a result, opposition supporters abroad questioned the process’s integrity and the impact of their votes.

Such cases can be deeply unsettling and discouraging for prospective voters, and indeed voter turn-out in many diasporas remains low for a combination of reasons practical and political – but don’t let this put you off!

Your vote really matters

Despite all the challenges, diaspora voting can sway election results, influence policies, and promote democratic reforms. This year brought us examples from around globe…

The Venezuelan diaspora (8 million abroad – more than a quarter of the country’s population) threw their support behind pro-democracy efforts in July’s presidential elections. The Moldovan diaspora’s participation in the EU referendum was crucial: 76.9% supported the pro-EU outcome which tipped the balance in favour of European integration despite a nearly even split within Moldova. I believe in the power of diaspora voters because of my own experience – I was one of them queuing for hours at my embassy in Brussels in October.

Beyond the diaspora ballot box

Whilst we focus on voting from the diaspora, the role of diaspora as voters in the countries they live in is equally powerful: In the UK and France, various diaspora communities activated to raise awareness on topics crucial to the subsequent results including migration, anti-racism, and national policies on ongoing wars in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan and more.

And when voting isn’t an option? In India’s 2024 elections diaspora participation was limited due to the requirement for voters to return home. However, the diaspora’s influence was felt strongly through campaign support, financial backing, and advocacy.

To the voters of 2025

The stories from this year remind us that voting is more than a choice – it is a statement of responsibility and representation. With a new slew of elections around the corner, the time is now to take up your responsibilities.  

From one diaspora voter to another I ask that you check your rights and take on the responsibility and opportunity to participate.

If voting rights as an emigrant are limited, take inspiration from the Irish diaspora’s advocacy work: In an open letter on voting rights, Hilary T. Beirne invites the global Irish community to join the conversation on the Electoral Reform Bill. Ireland and Malta are the only EU countries that don’t allow external voting.

Finally, to the 2024 voters

Thank you for your dedication: for reflecting, researching, travelling and exercising your democratic right and responsibility. Your voice and vote have great value and show your commitment and care for your heritage-home.

Yours,

Diana Hincu

For more about diaspora participating in democratic processes, visit Migrant Vote on Substack.

Special thanks to Liza Bezvershenko, Junior Project Officer, for background research and to Charlotte Griffiths, Public Partnerships Lead, for editorial contribution

Cover image from Jeshoots via Unsplash.