Information for Voters Living Abroad
Electoral precincts abroad will only operate in diplomatic missions or consular offices of Georgia in 2024.
Where will electoral precincts abroad be set up?
Electoral precincts abroad will only operate in diplomatic missions or consular offices of Georgia in 2024. Whilst this practice is flawed and no such restrictions exist in the Election Code of Georgia, the CEC does not plan to set up additional polling stations for the Georgian population living far from diplomatic missions or consular offices.
Who are eligible to vote?
All Georgian citizens living abroad who have turned 18 or will turn 18 on the day of the election are eligible to participate in the elections.
What is the procedure for voters living abroad to participate in the elections?
To vote, Georgian citizens living abroad:
a. Should be on the consular registry of Georgia or registered in the foreign country.
b. In case they are not on the consular registry or registered in the foreign country, no later than 7 October (the 19th day before elections day) following the establishment of the electoral precinct, they should complete registration procedures at the precinct election commission set up in the respective country, or the diplomatic representation or the consular institution of Georgia.
Notably, voters living abroad can register to vote in electoral precincts without needing to be registered in the consular registry.
Why should I be on the consular registry if I can register to vote directly in electoral precincts?
The Election Code of Georgia states: ‘Electoral precincts abroad shall be set up by the CEC based on data provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, not later than the 30th day before election day, for not less than 50 and not more than 3,000 voters.’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the CEC only with information from the consular registry as per the current flawed practices. A precinct will not be set up if there are fewer than 50 voters. Therefore, it is essential for Georgian citizens living abroad to be on the consular registry in time and/or verify their registration status.
What is the necessary procedure for consular registration?
You can follow several steps to complete consular registration:
• You can register at a consular office.
• Alternatively, you can send your documents by mail.
• Or you can use the online consular service: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/consular-registration
To complete consular registration, you will need: registration form (filled out either on the spot or online), proof of Georgian citizenship and a photograph. Furthermore, it is helpful to have a document proving your residence abroad.
Consular registration could be denied in the following cases:
• The applicant’s permanent or temporary residence is outside the consulate’s authority.
• An authorised person does not make the request.
When applying for consular registration online, the applicant may be refused if:
• The personal data cannot be verified.
• The applicant’s presence in the foreign country cannot be confirmed.
How can I verify that I am on consular registration?
You can verify your status by visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and checking through the electronic registry of consular registration.
Alternatively, you can contact the diplomatic mission or consular office of Georgia in your country of residence.
Can I participate in the elections if I am residing abroad illegally?
Registration for elections abroad is solely for electoral purposes and does not impact an individual’s legal status in their country of residence. Hence, registering at a Georgian consular office does not pose a risk for citizens who are staying abroad illegally. These individuals can still exercise their right to vote without concern.
