Volby pro Všechny: Empowering new Czech citizens to shape their future through voting
We are Volby pro Všechny, a group of long-term, foreign-born residents of the Czech Republic who care about the future of our country. We are worried about the rise of populism, anti-democratic tendencies, and the shrinking space for political compromise. But what can a small group of foreigners living in the Czech Republic do to defend the values we believe in?
Recent elections have been decided by a few thousand votes. However, between 2019 and 2023, almost 30 thousand people acquired Czech citizenship. And there are nearly 350 thousand people with permanent residence, on a path to citizenship. This many potential voters could really make a difference!
Unfortunately, many new Czech citizens don’t exercise their right to vote. Studies around the world (Source 1., Source 2.) show that naturalized citizens often do not vote for various reasons—lack of knowledge about the system, uncertainty about the significance of their vote, or feeling disconnected from the political process.
Our mission is to tackle these problems, to encourage and facilitate active political participation for those who have become Czech citizens in the past decade, or who will soon become citizens. Our campaign has four key pillars:
Pillar 1: Why vote?
We emphasize the importance of voting because every vote matters, and political participation can drive real change. Especially in times when democratic values are at risk, voting carries a major moral responsibility. Through personal stories, analyses, and testimonies from naturalized citizens, we aim to forge a personal connection between new Czech voters and the democratic process.
Pillar 2: What political parties represent
Traditional election guides created by Czech media often overlook the concerns of migrant communities. Our goal is to help people with migration backgrounds navigate the political landscape. We have created the first election calculator (our Party Match Quiz) designed specially for naturalized Czech citizens. This quiz is simple, multilingual, and built on fundamental values and principles. It helps voters identify which parties align with their interests, so that they can become active participants in Czech democracy.
Pillar 3: How to vote
We offer clear and simple guides on how to vote in Czech elections. Many new citizens come from countries with different voting systems, which can make the Czech process seem complex. Our guides will cover how to read your ballots, how to cast a legally valid vote, and how to create a voting plan to ensure a smooth experience on election day. We will make the guides accessible in multiple languages.
Pillar 4: Engage peers and multiply (y)our impact
We encourage everyone not only to vote but to inspire others by engaging friends, family, and community in the electoral process. We provide practical tips for starting conversations about the importance of voting, and accessible resources that explain the process. By sharing personal experiences and encouraging others to vote, we can all multiply our impact and help create a more informed, engaged, and empowered electorate in the Czech Republic.
