Hello everyone,
As an expat, your day-to-day life in Norway is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in the political day-to-day of either their host or home country?
Can expats vote during elections which take place in their country of origin? Can you do so online or through embassies/consulates in Norway?
What is the administrative process which has been set up in Norway to enable expats to vote in their country of origin?
To which extent should political life in Norway include expats and their concerns? Should they be more active as a community to make their voices heard?
Are there any precautionary measures to observe during election period in your host country? Any local prohibitions?
Do you keep up with politics in Norway?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Bhavna
Expat interest in politics in Norway
as far as I know, there's nothing that Norway specifically does to enable expats to vote in their country of origin, if their laws allow it. The laws for each country are so different that I don't think it would be possible to consider all the many nationalities that reside here. So for that, I definitely recommend contacting your embassy or consulate.
However, foreigners registered in Norway do have the right to vote in local elections. If you're from another Nordic country, you can vote in the elections (usually held in September) if you were registered in the country by June. For other nationalities, you can vote if you've been registered in the country for the last three years.
My experience voting in two elections here is that the voting directorate is quite comprehensive with information on how and where to vote, and the process is made quite easy by having a long early voting period with booths located in convenient places. I got a card with information on it well in advance of voting, and the website valg.no helps to explain more of how the process works.
Articles to help you in your expat project in Norway
Norwegian’s typically are very active people, scattered across Norway you’ll find no shortage of Ski ...
Despite what you may have heard, leisure activities in Norway are not just related to snow and cold weather ...
Norwegians are an active bunch and weather is no obstacle. You will see youngsters playing soccer in the pouring ...
Many expats are intimidated by Oslo's colder climate. Luckily, the city offers a wide range of both indoor and ...
Aside from easily accessible weekday activities in Oslo, the city offers seasonal activities to suit every ...
Oslo is an up-and-coming foodie capital bursting with new inventions and tastes often referred to as New Nordic ...
