Countries That Allow Mail-In Voting

Aug 21, 2025

✅ Countries with Universal Mail-In Voting (open to all voters)

Switzerland – Mail ballots sent to every voter; ~90% use them.
Germany – Since 2008, all voters can choose postal voting.
United Kingdom – Any voter can request a postal ballot.
Australia – Broadly available, often for those unable to attend in person.
Canada – “Special ballot” system lets anyone vote by mail.
New Zealand – Postal voting available, widely used for overseas voters.
United States – Depends on state; 8 states conduct all elections by mail, others allow “no-excuse” absentee ballots.
Norway – Universal absentee/mail voting available.
Sweden – All voters may vote by post.
Finland – All voters abroad may use mail; within country, advance voting available.
Denmark – Postal voting permitted for all voters.
Iceland – Postal voting available for all.

Austria – Available since 2007 upon request.
Spain – Must apply; for sick, disabled, or absent voters.
Italy – Available only to citizens living abroad.
Mexico – Citizens abroad may vote by mail (since 2006).
France – Limited: proxy voting more common, but some mail ballots for overseas.
India – Only for specific groups (military, over 65, disabled).
Indonesia – Expatriates can vote by mail.
Hungary – Citizens abroad without local residence can vote by mail (party lists only).
Poland – Postal voting was used, but now restricted mainly to disabled and elderly.
Japan – Postal ballots permitted for disabled or elderly.
South Korea – Absentee/mail voting allowed for certain categories.
Brazil – Does not use mail-in voting broadly; absentee for abroad is limited.

Over 30 democracies worldwide use some form of mail-in voting.
In Europe, it’s very common — most EU and Nordic countries allow it in some form.
In North America, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico all use it.
In Asia, it’s more restricted — mostly for overseas citizens or military.
In Latin America, fewer countries offer it widely.