The Estonian government has declared that 87,721 of its citizens permanently living abroad have the right to vote and can do so at embassies/consulates, by mail or internet. This many voters, if they exercise their rights, could influence the outcome of upcoming 'Riigikogu' elections.
On March 3, 2019, Estonian citizens will have the right to re-elect their parliament. For citizens living abroad, the polls will be open in February. In Toronto voters can make their choice on Saturday, February 16, at Estonian House. Voting by mail will also be available with instructions to be released soon.
It's surely expected that the jaded will comment, “My vote will not have any bearing on the outcome,” or “Why bother voting, government policy will be driven by those that fill the party coffers.”
Yes, the non-voters, by surrendering their right to vote, leave the field wide open to those who have political influence through financial clout or those that are able to amass support with unattainable populistic promises. Is it too far-fetched to suggest that the non-voter, who certainly has the right not to participate, doesn't believe in democracy?
Some Estonians abroad insist that they don't know the candidate choices, don't know the issues, live in a foreign country and don't pay any taxes in Estonia. The excuses are weak. We all have access o the internet. The choices and issues are there to read in both Estonian and English. A chat with an informed friend also gives sufficient information to make an informed choice. (Pikemalt Eesti Elu 18. 01.2019 paberlehes)
