Equal Futures

Is voter registration automatic in OECD countries?

Automatic voter registration means that the government uses existing sources of information on citizens to construct the voter rolls without individual citizens having to fill out forms or opt-in.

In Canada, a partially automatic system that allows individuals to opt in while filing their taxes or on new citizenship applications. This covers voters in all provinces. Canadians can also register to vote at polling stations on election day.

Compulsory voting and/or registration means that all citizens are required to vote and/or register to vote by law.

Countries

Ireland - No

United Kingdom - No

United States of America - No

Australia - Not automatic, but voting and/or registration is compulsory

Mexico - Not automatic, but voting and/or registration is compulsory

New Zealand - Not automatic, but voting and/or registration is compulsory

Canada - Partially automatic with same-day registration also available

Austria - Yes, automatic

Belgium - Yes, automatic

Chile - Yes, automatic

Colombia - Yes, automatic

Costa Rica - Yes, automatic

Czech Republic - Yes, automatic

Denmark - Yes, automatic

Estonia - Yes, automatic

Finland - Yes, automatic

France - Yes, automatic

Germany - Yes, automatic

Greece - Yes, automatic

Hungary - Yes, automatic

Iceland - Yes, automatic

Israel - Yes, automatic

Italy - Yes, automatic

Japan - Yes, automatic

Republic of Korea - Yes, automatic

Latvia - Yes, automatic

Lithuania - Yes, automatic

Luxembourg - Yes, automatic

The Netherlands - Yes, automatic

Norway - Yes, automatic

Poland - Yes, automatic

Portugal - Yes, automatic

Slovakia - Yes, automatic

Slovenia - Yes, automatic

Spain - Yes, automatic

Sweden - Yes, automatic

Switzerland - Yes, automatic

Türkiye - Yes, automatic