The new Local Government Code brings about a profound change in the way local government operates, as it introduces electronic voting for the first time in local elections, municipal referendums, and youth council elections .
The reform aims to move a significant part of the electoral process to the digital environment, with the goal of increasing participation, facilitate voting for non-resident voters, and familiarize citizens with a model that, according to government officials, could be expanded to national elections in the future.
The focus is on the ability to exercise the right to vote electronically for the election of mayors, municipal councils, regional governors, and regional councils, starting with the 2028 local elections.
The bill, which was put out for public consultation by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanos and is expected to be submitted to Parliament in June, stipulates that electronic voting will be optional and will operate alongside traditional ballot boxes.
How electronic voting will work
Those who choose the electronic process will register in special voter rolls via a dedicated application on gov.gr, using their personal Taxisnet codes and OTP verification.
The Ministry of the Interior will maintain the special electronic voting electoral rolls, and procedures are in place to prevent double voting.
Voting will take place at special electronic voting polling stations operating throughout the country, provided that at least 30 voters have registered per municipality.
Citizens will be able to vote at any designated polling station in the country, regardless of the municipality where they are registered. After identification, the voter will be directed to a special area with a computer or tablet, through which they will exercise their right to vote.
Municipal referendums exclusively online
The new Code extends the digital process to consultative municipal referendums as well.
Municipalities will be able to call referendums on issues within their jurisdiction, either by decision of the municipal councils or following the collection of signatures from 10% of registered voters.
Signatures will be collected via a special digital platform, while referendums will be conducted exclusively through electronic voting in collaboration with EDYTE.
The result will be advisory in nature to municipal councils. At the same time, safeguards are in place to ensure the validity of the process, as a minimum turnout of 30% of registered voters or 50% of those who voted in the previous local elections is required.
Electronic voting for youth councils as well
Electronic voting is also being introduced for the election of youth councils in municipalities with more than 2,000 residents.
Young people up to 29 years of age will be eligible to participate , and the elections will be held via a special platform on gov.gr, with authentication through Taxisnet and the National Communication Registry.
The youth councils will serve as advisory bodies on issues related to youth, culture, sports, and social policy, while their representatives will be able to participate in municipal council meetings with the right to speak.
Source: APE-MPE