Voting by Mail with a Special Emphasis on the Diaspora Vote – Comparative Analysis Cover Image

Glasanje putem pošte sa posebnim osvrtom na glasanje dijaspore – uporedno pravna analiza
Voting by Mail with a Special Emphasis on the Diaspora Vote – Comparative Analysis

Author(s): Oliver P. Nikolić
Subject(s): Electoral systems
Published by: Institut za uporedno pravo
Keywords: Election; Voting by mail; Postal voting; Distance voting; Voting from abroad
Summary/Abstract: Voting by mail, although the outcome of new age, is becoming increasingly present in today's electoral life in many countries. This method of voting would not be possible unless the institutions of the postal service worked perfectly and enjoyed full confidence of all voters. Voting by mail has been introduced primarily in order to facilitate voting process and increase voters’ turnout at the polls. Postal voting has several advantages over traditional polling. First, it is cost effective. Second, it has resulted in increased participation among voters, especially large among persons without cars, the elderly, handicapped, or those who live at great distances from the polling place, including the diaspora. Third, it is easier for election officials to conduct. Fourth, it gives voters a longer opportunity to study the ballot and find answers to their questions. Unfortunately, disadvantage of such voting method is potential mishandling such as, firstly, the influence of other people on electoral will of the voters, then, voters' justified doubts because they are obliged to provide their personal data on the occasion of voting. The introduction of voting by mail, as an alternative form of voting, does not mean the elimination of the traditional means of voting at the polling place, but only its upgrading and improvement.

  • Page Range: 119-132
  • Page Count: 14
  • Publication Year: 2012
  • Language: Serbian