Historically, the right to vote has been granted on the basis of citizenship and residence. These two criteria remain the most restrictive in terms of who can vote in elections.
Nationality (citizenship)
Citizenship is one of the main markers of eligibility to vote, particularly in the elections of the legislature, which are generally seen as constitutionally being the most important of all. Citizenship of the respective State is therefore a requirement aimed at the preservation of national interests.
important Only Latvian citizens can vote in the parliamentary elections. EU citizens are eligible to vote in local elections, provided that they are registered in the Population Register.
Residence
Normally, people eligible to vote would do so in their country of citizenship. However, there may be situations when you are not in your country of citizenship at the time of elections.
Latvian law does not restrict the right to vote of Latvian citizens residing abroad. However, to vote from abroad, either by mail or at one of the designated poll stations, a citizen must register in advance with the Latvian Central Election Commission.
According to human rights law, the question of eligibility for voting in elections for the European Parliament can be decided by each Member State. A person can be prohibited from voting if they are not resident, and states do not have to grant unrestricted voting rights to citizens who do not reside in that particular State.
All EU citizens residing in another EU Member State are entitled to vote in the respective local elections.
note The European Convention on Human Rights does not impose an obligation on states to introduce a system for non-resident citizens to vote.