For the first time in history, Greeks living abroad have the opportunity to cast their votes in the upcoming European elections from their countries of residence, thanks to the introduction of postal voting.

Neos Kosmos firmly believes that this signifies a landmark moment for the Greek Diaspora, a chance that should not be overlooked.

There are thousands of Greeks in Australia who possess the right to vote in the upcoming European elections but have yet to show interest.

It is important that more Greek citizens register for the postal vote as it will greatly benefit the community at large.

If we as a Diaspora do not demonstrate our interest, Greece will not exhibit interest in us.

If Greek voters in Australia make the effort to register to vote this will undoubtedly capture the attention of the politicians and the government in Greece, irrespective of who is governing.

As a community, many of us have experienced the difficulties of retaining a practical connection with Greece. Whether that be the process of gaining citizenship and a passport or registering property in Greece, the hurdles are significant.

We have all heard the stories of the notorious wait times to gain an appointment at the understaffed Greek consulates where it can often take a year or more.

The long awaited double taxation treaty between Greece and Australia is still in the workings, despite decades of promises.

If you are a Greek citizen and are eligible to vote, register now. If you are seeking Greek citizenship or have a practical connection with the country, encourage any family and friends to register for the postal vote.

You may ask why do the European elections matter, well they matter because Greece, like other European Union countries, must abide by laws that are debated and voted upon in Brussels.

Your vote counts to what happens in your ancestral village or town when EU regulations or directives are passed. Besides it is the EU law and the Schengen agreement that abolished border checks for EU citizens allowing them to move freely and work between member states.

So if you are a Greek citizen or are dreaming of attaining that coveted Greek passport take the postal vote seriously.

Without wanting to sound cynical, politicians take note when there are votes to be gained. If you want to improve the connection between Greece and Australia register for the postal vote and persuade your family and acquaintances to do the same.

The deadline for expatriates to register for postal voting is April 29. Those eligible can access the registration platform at epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr using their tax ID code or their Greek passport and ID card (ταυτότητα).

“Any citizen registered in the electoral rolls has the right to request postal voting, and if there is any problem, voters can contact the local Consulates,” clarified Greece’s Minister of Interior, Niki Karaméus.

In Melbourne, the Greek consulate has established a dedicated office where expatriates can register, even with just their Greek ID.

The European elections are scheduled to take place in Greece on June 9, 2024. Eligible voters are those who will turn 17 in the year of the elections.

Procedure for postal voting

  • Declare your location in May and the address where you will receive the Ministry of Interior’s letter.
  • Complete the ballot and send it back.
  •  It is crucial to ensure that the envelope is received by Saturday, June 8, the day before the European elections, to avoid invalidation.
  • The activation of the platform marks the first-time postal voting will be undertaken in Greece, aimed at facilitating the voting process for voters in the European elections and national referendums.
  • This significant opening to the Greek diaspora eliminates all practical obstacles, enabling Greek citizens worldwide to exercise their voting rights effectively.
  • Voters who encounter difficulties accessing the electronic application can contact the Greek diplomatic authorities in Australia for assistance in registering for postal voting. After verifying the voter’s identity, officials will submit an application on their behalf, which the voter will subsequently sign.
  • Voters are informed via SMS and email (if declared) about the receipt of their envelope from the Postal Voting Sorting Department.
  • Envelopes must be received by 5pm on the day before the elections in Greece to be counted in the voting results or they will be returned to the sender.
  • The counting of postal votes occurs simultaneously with all other votes on the Sunday afternoon of the elections.