Postal Voting: Experiences from the Republic of Italy and Suggestions for Vietnam

Abstract

The principle of universal suffrage is intended to ensure that every voter can exercise their right to vote regardless of geographical distance. Voting methods in an election should be designed to fulfill that requirement. Several states have implemented special voting arrangements, allowing voters who cannot reach polling stations, especially citizens residing abroad, to still exercise their right to vote. Among these arrangements, postal voting is one of the most widely used and has been applied by many countries in recent elections and referenda.  The article examines postal voting in the Republic of Italy and draws lessons for Vietnam in designing a voting method for citizens living abroad.