It was reported that in the 2019 elections, out of 77,881 who were qualified to vote, only 2,016 actually cast their ballots (by mail or voted by person) at 40 embassies and consulates abroad. A dismal turnout! Unknown is the number of e-voters.
In the early 1990s, 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 anyway by those who bankroll the parties.”
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.
(Pikemalt saab lugeda Eesti Elu 23. detsembri 2022 paber- ja digilehest)
