Are you thinking that you can't go to the polls because you have plans on an election day?
Elections are based on the principle of voting on the day of the election (polling day) at a polling place,
but there are ways to vote that consider various circumstances, such as being out of the area where you live for work or travel, or living abroad!
Early Voting System
The early voting system allows voters to vote the same as the usual election date (i.e., They can put their ballots directly into the ballot box), even before the election date. Let's take a look at the features of early voting in the table below!
（This diagram created by a member）
Supplement
Voters：When voting, you must submit an affidavit stating that you expect one of the reasons for voting before the deadline to be met.
Voting Procedure：Since advance voting is as final as voting at the polling place on the election date,the basic procedure is the same as voting at the polling place on the election date.
final vote…Also referred to as the "adjudicative" or "determinative" type, this refers to a referendum that takes effect as the will of the nation on the condition that it receives the approval of the people (determinative referendum).
Timing of Voting Rights Recognition：The right to vote is certified on the day the advance ballot is to be cast.
This allows ballots to be placed directly into the ballot box even before the election date.
＊Even if a voter loses the right to vote due to relocation to another municipality, death, or other reasons after casting an advance ballot, it will still be treated as a valid vote!
Absentee Voting System
If you are staying in a municipality other than the place of registration during the election period due to work or travel, you can vote absentee at the Board of Elections of the municipality where you are staying.
In addition, those who are hospitalized in designated hospitals and other facilities can vote absentee in those facilities.
- What if I will turn 18 on Election Day, but am still 17 (not eligible to vote) before Election Day?
- No advance voting is allowed!Instead, absentee voting is exceptionally available at the Election Commission of the municipality in which you are registered!
There are six different types of absentee voting systems. Let's take a look.
- Absentee voting at an election commission in a municipality other than the place of registration
- Absentee voting at designated hospitals, etc.
- Absentee voting by mail, etc.
- Absentee voting outside of Japan
- On-the-sea ballot
- Antarctic poll
(Eligible persons: Elected officials who hold a physical disability certificate or a war wounded veteran certificate and are disabled, etc.)
This is a system whereby electors belonging to organizations designated by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications as "Specified Overseas Dispatching Organizations" among organizations dispatched outside Japan under the provisions of the law, The voting system is conducted outside of Japan under the supervision of an absentee ballot administrator.
This is a voting system for vessels (designated vessels) that have certain operations and navigational areas and sail outside Japan, and for seafarers on board designated vessels.
Voting is done by facsimile (FAX).
Elections: General election for members of the House of Representatives, ordinary election for members of the House of Councillors, and National Examination of Supreme Court Judges
This is a system in which electors belonging to organizations that conduct scientific research work in the Antarctic region conducted by the national government vote by facsimile (fax).
Elections: General election for members of the House of Representatives, ordinary election for members of the House of Councillors, and National Examination of Supreme Court Judges
These are the six types. Please note that the procedures are different for each of them.
Overseas Voting System
This is a system that allows people living abroad for work or study to vote in national elections while in a foreign country. Voting through this system is called "overseas voting.
（Diagram created by a member）
Supplement
Voting method：
Voting in a public hall, Voting by mail, etc…
Voting in Japan…by those who have temporarily returned to Japan at the time of the election or those who have not yet registered after their domestic electoral name because they have just returned to their home country.