Is voting compulsory?
Conditional: voting is compulsory in theory, but in practice it's not enforced. Under the Constitution (Art. 51) and PD 26/2012, voting is compulsory, but the sanctions are dead-letter — no one is penalised. The voting age is 17 (anyone turning 17 in the election year) — Greece is the only EU country with a standard age of 17. Postal voting was introduced (Law 5083/2024) and first used for the 2024 European elections; under Law 5285/2026 it was extended to national parliamentary elections (in force from the next national election). In short: "compulsory" on paper, with no practical sanction.
📋 The rules
- Voting compulsory in theory — sanctions inactive
- Voting age: 17 (in the election year)
- Postal voting: since 2024 (Law 5083/2024)
- Law 5285/2026: postal vote also in national elections
- In practice: no sanction for not voting
🔓 Exceptions
- Over-70s & those abroad: formally exempt
- "Diaspora Electoral District": deferred (didn't pass with 2/3)
- In practice everyone is exempt, since nothing is enforced
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no practical sanction — although voting is formally compulsory, the provided sanctions are dead-letter: no one is fined or prosecuted for not voting. Beware myths: "you can be jailed/fined for not voting" — outdated/unenforced; "the voting age is 18" — wrong for Greece (it's 17). Also, don't confuse postal voting (in force) with the "Diaspora Electoral District", which was deferred. To vote: make sure you're registered on the electoral rolls, and if you're abroad or want to vote remotely, register for postal voting via the Interior Ministry's platform.
📎 Official sources
- Constitution (Art. 51) / PD 26/2012 →
- Law 5083/2024 — postal voting →
- Law 5285/2026 — postal-vote extension →
❓ Frequently asked
Is voting compulsory in Greece?
Formally yes, but in practice no. Voting is compulsory under the Constitution, but the provided sanctions are inactive and no one is penalised for not voting. So the obligation remains on paper, with no practical enforcement.
From what age can I vote?
From 17. Anyone turning 17 during the election year has the right to vote. Greece is the only EU country with a standard voting age of 17. It's a myth that the age is 18; for Greek elections it's 17.
Can I vote by post?
Yes. Postal voting was introduced by Law 5083/2024 and first used for the 2024 European elections. Under Law 5285/2026 it was extended to national parliamentary elections, from the next election. You must register in advance on the relevant platform.
Is someone who doesn't vote punished?
In practice no. Although the law formally provides sanctions, they aren't applied, so no one is fined or prosecuted for not voting. It's a myth that you can be jailed or fined for not voting.
Can I vote from abroad?
Yes, by postal voting, if you register in advance. The "Diaspora Electoral District", which would give separate representation to the diaspora, was deferred as it didn't reach the increased majority. Don't confuse it with postal voting, which is in force.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “compulsory voting greece”
- “voting age 17”
- “postal voting national elections”
- “voting from abroad”
- “law 5285/2026 postal vote”
- “penalty not voting”