Main information
Members of the public and media representatives may be present at the district polling station when the district electoral commission counts votes.
However, these persons must have a permit from the State Electoral Commission.
This applies to you if
You would like to be present when votes are counted by the district electoral commission (e.g. as a representative of the media, a representative of an observation mission or a citizen interested in ensuring that district elections are held in the proper manner).
Persons present during the count may not interfere in any way with the activities of the district electoral commission. The purpose of being present is to observe (and document, in the case of media representatives) the commission’s procedure when counting the votes.
When to use this service
We recommend that you apply for this permit well in advance.
You can apply for it at any time after the elections have been announced (the elections are announced by the President of the Republic no later than 90 days before they are due to be held).
Service settlement
What you need if you are using this service
In your application, state the following for the persons to be issued with the permit:
- your first name and surname,
- your date of birth,
- your permanent residential address (for citizens of another EU Member State, your temporary address), and
- the address, data box or email address to which the permit is to be sent.
Where and how to solve this service
The request must be sent by post or submitted in person to the State Electoral Commission, at the address:
Ministerstvo vnitra
How much will you pay
None
Additional information
What is the benefit of this service
Persons present at the polling station may observe to check that district electoral commission follows the proper procedure when counting votes.
Appeal options
No appeal options are available.
Legislation
Sanctions
None
Frequently asked questions
I am a representative of the media. Can I record at the polling station?
If you are interested in making a recording, we recommend discussing the matter at the polling station with the chairperson of the district electoral commission who, according to electoral law, is responsible for maintaining order at the polling station and in its immediate vicinity.
I want to be present at the polling station during the vote. Do I also need a permit?
No. Presence at the polling station during a vote is not restricted by law. You may be present at the polling station, provided that you do not cause disruption and do not disturb the commission’s work.
If you are interested, we recommend that you discuss the matter with the chairperson of the district electoral commission directly. Please note that the chairperson’s instructions on acting in an orderly and dignified manner during the vote are binding on everyone present.
Where can I obtain more information?