Some 86,000 individuals in the Estonian diaspora are qualified to vote in Estonia’s March 2023 parliamentary elections. Casting ballots abroad is scheduled for February.
It was reported that in the 2019 elections, out of 77, 881 who were qualified to vote, only 2016 actually cast their ballots (by mail or voted by person) at 40 embassies and consulates abroad. A dismal turn-out! Unknown is the number of e-voters.
In the early 1990’s, voter participation was substantially higher among Estonians living abroad, when the size of the diaspora was half as large as now. Has the Estonian voter in mainly Western democracies turned cynical and acquired the jaded attitude of many who claim, “Why vote, when the country is controlled by those who bankroll the parties anyway.”
Non-voters, who abrogate their rights and duties, leave the field wide open for those who have political influence through financial clout.
However, this rationale of the apathetic voter hasn’t taken a hold in Estonia and doesn’t drive voter non-participation abroad. But these non-voters do have basically three main excuses for avoiding the elections.
“I don’t have enough information to vote for the right candidate.” Online, there’s plenty of information, both in Estonian and English, at each party’s official websites as well as in news portals. There will be at least one virtual forum organized by the Estonian Central Council with the participation of party representatives in the pre-election period.
“I don’t pay any Estonian taxes. I shouldn’t be voting.” Right, but this tax revenue does not pay for anything that we need here – education, health, police, in fact all tax-funded, government-based services are not consumed by Estonian voters abroad. We do not consume anything to which we haven’t contributed.
“I don’t live in Estonia and will not be affected by the election results.” But we all wish for the best possible future for Estonia. Our experiences abroad give us a special perspective on political and social issues, viewpoints that benefit Estonia as an open, diverse democracy.
For Estonians, voting during the Soviet occupation was undeniably an undisguised farce and voters felt alienated from the voting process. A similarity can be found with the apathy of the voter today. “My one vote has no impact on the outcome.”
It might be extreme to imply that the non-voter doesn’t believe in democracy. The low voter turnout seems to imply that we don’t support the democratic process. Democracies need maximum voter turn-out. Estonia, in its election law, recognizes this and gives citizens abroad this opportunity and also expects it to be used.
You have the right to express your opinion at the ballot box. In a democracy this right comes with the RESPONSIBILITY to participate and contribute. This right has been given to you by the freely elected parliament of Estonia. They expect you to understand that it’s your duty to use it. It’s not far-fetched to suggest that not voting, is a vote against democracy.
“I don’t know the choices, the issues and don’t pay taxes”, are weak and unacceptable arguments. We’re all familiar with the Internet. Info about Estonia, the issues and who’s who is there aplenty, in both languages. Talking with someone better informed will help make a confident choice.
The majority of democratic countries invite voters abroad to participate at elections and provided the means to do so. The Estonian embassies will soon release pertinent information about dates and procedures.
It’s not too early to start thinking and learning about Estonia’s elections.
Yes, we have the right to vote. We also have the right not to vote. Let’s not abuse this right.
Laas Leivat
Estonian Life, Toronto
