Your Right to Vote in 2024
Every Polish citizen aged 18 or over on election day has the right to vote in Poland's national and local elections. Voting is not compulsory, but participation is a fundamental democratic right. This guide walks you through every step of the process for the 2024 elections.
Step 1: Check Your Registration
In Poland, citizens are registered to vote at the address where they are permanently registered (zameldowanie stałe). If you are permanently registered at a Polish address, you are automatically included in the Electoral Roll (Rejestr Wyborców) for that municipality.
To verify your registration:
- Visit your local Urząd Gminy (municipal office) and ask to check the electoral roll
- Use the online system at obywatel.gov.pl if you have a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile)
If you are not registered at a permanent address, you can apply to be added to the local register at least 5 days before election day.
Step 2: Find Your Polling Station
Your assigned polling station (obwód głosowania) is determined by your registered address. You can find your designated polling station:
- On the PKW website at pkw.gov.pl
- Via the obywatel.gov.pl portal
- By contacting your local Urząd Gminy
Polling stations are typically located in schools, community centres, or municipal buildings. They are open on election day from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Step 3: What ID to Bring
You must bring a valid Polish identity document to cast your ballot. Accepted documents include:
- Polish national ID card (dowód osobisty)
- Polish passport
- Driver's licence (Polish) — accepted for local elections
Important: Your ID must not be expired. If your ID has expired, renew it at your local Urząd Gminy before election day.
Step 4: Casting Your Ballot
- Present your ID to the electoral commission staff at the polling station.
- Sign next to your name on the electoral roll to confirm your identity.
- Receive your ballot card(s) — in local elections, you may receive multiple ballots for different tiers of government.
- Go to the voting booth (privacy screen). Mark your choice with an X in the box next to your preferred candidate.
- Fold the ballot and place it in the sealed ballot box.
Note: Marking more than one candidate's box, or writing additional text, can invalidate your ballot. If in doubt, ask polling station staff before marking your card.
Voting by Proxy
Voters who are disabled or aged 60 and over can designate a trusted person to cast their vote on their behalf — a process called głosowanie przez pełnomocnika. Applications must be submitted to the local Urząd Gminy at least 9 days before election day.
Voting Abroad
Polish citizens living or traveling abroad can vote at Polish consulates and embassies. To do so:
- Register with the relevant Polish consulate via gov.pl before the deadline (typically around 15 days before the election)
- Bring a valid Polish passport to the consular polling station on election day
Postal voting is also available for citizens abroad — check with your nearest consulate for specific deadlines and procedures.
Postal Voting Within Poland
Voters with significant disabilities and those aged 60+ who are registered in Poland may also request postal ballot packs from their municipal office. Applications must be submitted well in advance — check the specific deadlines published by PKW for each election.
Need Help?
The Państwowa Komisja Wyborcza (PKW) operates a voter information line and maintains a comprehensive website at pkw.gov.pl. Municipal offices across Poland also provide free guidance to voters with questions about registration and voting procedures.