Slovaks living abroad are expressing concern over potential changes to voting regulations that could build it more difficult for them to participate in national elections. Proposed legislation would limit absentee voting options, potentially requiring citizens residing outside of Slovakia to cast their ballots in person at embassies – a logistical challenge for many.
The debate comes as several Slovaks shared their experiences with the current system, highlighting both its benefits and potential vulnerabilities. One voter recounted using postal voting twice, with one ballot failing to arrive and another being successfully delivered. In another instance, a citizen traveled back to Slovakia specifically to vote in person.
“Personally, I would prefer to vote at the embassy, but it’s also important to maintain the option of voting by mail for those who locate it more practical,” the voter said.
The argument that Slovaks living abroad should not have a say in the country’s political situation has been met with criticism. Advocates for maintaining voting access emphasize the significant contributions of the diaspora – economically, professionally, and in terms of national reputation.
“Slovaks abroad make a real contribution to Slovakia – economically, professionally, or in terms of reputation. And they should have the opportunity to express their opinion on what the future of Slovakia will be. If someone objects to this and wants to influence it, there is something else behind it than trying to make voting easier or ensure the secrecy of the vote,” one individual stated.
Lenka and Dávid from Denmark: How do we vote if there’s no embassy nearby?
Lenka and Dávid Haring, a couple who have traveled extensively throughout Iraq, Tanzania, Syria, Mexico, Scandinavia, and remote islands across Asia, currently reside in Denmark, where they have lived since completing their studies. They balance work with a passion for travel, constantly exploring fresh countries.
Postal voting has been their preferred method, and they have used it several times. Although, the Slovak embassy in Copenhagen closed in December 2024, adding another layer of complexity.
“If postal voting were to be canceled, the nearest embassy to us would be in Stockholm. It would take more than a day to receive there by plane. It’s also important to remember that many Slovaks living abroad do not live in major cities where embassies are usually located,” they explained.
Jozef and Eva from Denmark: We wouldn’t feel like full members of the Slovak Republic
Jozef and Eva Pavlíkovi moved from their hometown of Snina in 2010 with their family, seeking better employment opportunities. They also felt the situation in Slovakia at the time wasn’t ideal, prompting them to attempt life abroad.
Jozef was already familiar with Denmark, having frequently traveled there for work and family vacations. He was drawn to the country’s functioning social system and high quality of life. They initially planned to stay for just a year, to experience life abroad before returning home, but that never happened.
“I think it was the right decision. Nevertheless, we don’t forget our homeland and often think about returning if the situation in Slovakia changes in the future,” they said, explaining why they continue to vote by mail.
Like Lenka and Dávid, they are concerned about the prospect of losing the postal voting option, potentially requiring them to travel to Stockholm or Berlin to cast their ballots. “If that were to happen, we wouldn’t feel like full members of the Slovak Republic. We should have the same opportunity to comfortably cast our vote as people in Slovakia,” they believe.
Vladimír from Germany: The political situation affects us even beyond the borders
Vladimír Balušík has lived outside of Slovakia for many years, seeking better career prospects. He lived in the Czech Republic and Romania before settling in Stuttgart, Germany, with his family. The 44-year-old development engineer votes in every election, wanting to contribute to the progress and better future of Slovakia.
“I consider it my right and duty,” Vladimír explained.
He views the potential removal of this right as unfair. While it would complicate the voting process, it would also serve as a strong motivation for him to travel to the embassy and vote in person. “It shows the fear of the current government, which is afraid. If it doesn’t win, it will likely have a problem.”
Despite living abroad, Vladimír still identifies as Slovak and believes it’s his responsibility to contribute to the country’s future. “I consider it my right and duty,” he said.
He added that the political climate in Slovakia impacts perceptions of the country internationally. “The world is watching what is happening in Slovak politics. We represent our country, and the political situation affects us even beyond its geographical borders.” He cited a recent incident where a Slovak politician threatened to cut off electricity to Ukraine, which prompted a concerned inquiry from a Ukrainian colleague.
Filip from the Netherlands: Limiting the right to vote is undemocratic
Filip Křivánek was born in Ottawa and lived there for the first 14 years of his life before moving to Slovakia with his mother. Both of his parents are Slovak, but his father became a Canadian citizen in 1968. Filip also holds Canadian citizenship and currently works for the Canadian embassy in the Netherlands.
He hopes to return to Slovakia one day and contribute his experiences to the country’s development. Despite living abroad for over a decade, he remains engaged in Slovak politics and actively participates in elections.
“I view limiting any voting rights, including the right to vote from abroad, as intentional and undemocratic,” Křivánek stated.
He pointed to the Canadian system, where citizens abroad can vote by mail or in person at embassies without charge.
Veronika from Dubai: The state is telling me my voice isn’t welcome
Veronika Plichtová, originally from Nové Mesto nad Váhom, moved abroad several years ago. She studied in Italy and now works as a commercial director for a software company in Dubai, selling properties to international clients.
“I see it as a restriction of voting rights. Perhaps not a formal cancellation, but in practice, it will discourage a large group of people. It’s time-consuming and logistically challenging, and naturally, it’s demotivating. Frankly, I don’t know if I would be able to find the time to exercise my right to vote,” Veronika said, adding that the planned changes appear deliberate.
Zuzana from the Czech Republic: The government is trying to reduce the number of voters
Zuzana Krátka moved to the Czech Republic years ago to study and has since remained. She is a doctor and has lived there for over twenty years, but she still votes in Slovakia.
“Since the introduction of mail-in voting, I have used it,” said the 42-year-old doctor. She doesn’t live far from the embassy, as she lives in Prague, and could travel home to Slovakia if necessary. “By logistically restricting my participation, they won’t prevent me from voting. I will definitely find the time for it, just on principle. They want to prevent us from going to the polls and continue to rule without restraint and ruin the country,” she said.
Zuzana is convinced that the proposed change is intentional. The goal, she believes, is clear: to reduce the number of voters abroad.
Nicole from Canada: I would have to drive 40 hours
Nicole Jašáková, 30, comes from Stará Turá. Despite moving to Canada three years ago, she closely follows the situation in her homeland and wants to participate in shaping its future. “I see the possibility of voting from abroad as a privilege, and I am grateful for it.”
She currently lives in a remote part of Canada. She is drawn to the country’s stunning natural beauty – leaving the city often means losing cell service and finding herself surrounded by forests and mountains.
If the legislation changes, the remoteness of her location would present a challenge. “To be able to vote, I would have to drive about 40 hours or fly for six hours,” she explained. If the law were actually amended to allow voting only at embassies, it would likely not only complicate but also make it impossible for her to participate in elections.
She did vote in the last parliamentary elections. “My family still lives in Slovakia, and I consider our country my home, which I care about. As a Slovak citizen, I have the right to vote enshrined in the constitution, and I consider it important to participate in democratic voting.”
Denisa from the USA: If voting is limited by location, it will be difficult
Denisa Bergendiová Dempster has lived in Maryland, USA, with her husband for years. Despite having a settled life thousands of kilometers from Bratislava, Denisa never misses an opportunity to influence events in her homeland through elections.
