Which countries let non-citizens vote in polls?

While most countries restrict voting rights to citizens, there are a few that allow non-citizens to vote under certain conditions. Here are some examples of countries that permit non-citizens to vote:

1. New Zealand

• Eligibility: Non-citizens, specifically permanent residents, who have lived in New Zealand for at least one year can vote in local elections. This does not extend to national elections, which are limited to citizens.

• Local Elections: Non-citizens who meet the residency requirement can vote in local government elections, such as those for city councils or regional authorities.

2. Sweden

• Eligibility: Non-citizens from European Union (EU) countries who have been residents in Sweden for at least three years can vote in local and regional elections. Similarly, non-EU citizens who have been living in Sweden for at least three years can also vote in local elections.

• Note: Non-citizens cannot vote in national elections or referenda.

3. Finland

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are permanent residents of Finland and have lived there for at least two years can vote in municipal elections.

• Note: As with other countries, non-citizens are not allowed to vote in national elections.

4. Denmark

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are residents of Denmark and have lived there for at least three years (EU citizens) or five years (non-EU citizens) can vote in municipal and regional elections.

• Note: Non-citizens cannot vote in national parliamentary elections.

5. Iceland

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are citizens of Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden) and have lived in Iceland for at least three years can vote in municipal elections. Non-citizens from other countries who have lived in Iceland for at least five years are also eligible to vote in local elections.

• Note: Voting in national elections is restricted to Icelandic citizens.

6. Ireland

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are EU citizens living in Ireland can vote in local elections and European Parliament elections, provided they meet residency requirements. Non-EU citizens can vote in local elections if they have been legally residing in Ireland for at least one year before the election.

• Note: Non-citizens cannot vote in national elections or referenda.

7. Belgium

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are citizens of the European Union and have been residing in Belgium for at least five years can vote in local elections. They can also vote in European Parliament elections.

• Note: Non-EU citizens cannot vote in national elections or referenda.

8. Luxembourg

• Eligibility: Non-EU residents who have been living in Luxembourg for at least five years can vote in local elections. Citizens of other EU countries are also eligible to vote in national elections.

• Note: Luxembourg allows non-citizens to vote in municipal elections if they have resided in the country for five years.

9. Uruguay

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who have lived in Uruguay for at least three years can vote in national elections. This is a rare case where non-citizens have the right to participate in a national election.

• Note: Non-citizens must meet certain residency requirements to be eligible.

10. Argentina

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who have been legal residents of Argentina for at least two years can vote in national elections, including presidential elections.

• Note: Only legal residents who have fulfilled the necessary residency requirements can participate in elections.

11. Chile

• Eligibility: Non-citizens who are residents of Chile and are from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Chile can vote in local elections. This includes nationals of some Latin American countries who live in Chile.

• Note: Non-citizens cannot vote in national elections.

12. Portugal

• Eligibility: Non-citizens from European Union countries who have been living in Portugal for at least five years can vote in local elections. Non-EU citizens who have lived in Portugal for at least three years can also vote in local elections.

• Note: Non-citizens are excluded from national elections.

13. Brazil

• Eligibility: Foreigners who have lived in Brazil for at least 15 years and meet other conditions may vote in municipal elections. Non-citizens cannot vote in national elections.

• Note: The ability to vote depends on the specific laws governing each municipality.

Conclusion:

While the majority of countries limit voting rights to citizens, several allow non-citizens to participate in local or regional elections. The most common exceptions are for residents from other EU countries or long-term residents from specific countries with reciprocal agreements. Most non-citizens are excluded from voting in national elections, but local elections offer a key opportunity for foreign residents to have a voice in governance.