The government wants to take distant the right to vote for elder citizens – the amendment is already underway

In the face of the upcoming presidential elections in Poland, May 18, 2025, controversial information has emerged on changes in electoral law. There are rumors of a planned amendment Electoral Codeto reduce electoral rights seniors. Is it possible that our oldest citizens will be deprived of the fundamental right to vote? Let's review the available information.

Current electoral rules for seniors

In accordance with the applicable rules, persons who will finish at the latest on the day of the vote (18 May 2025) 60 years, have the right to usage additional electoral facilities. These include:

• Right to vote by correspondence: Allows to vote without the request for individual appearance in the polling station.
• Right to vote by proxy: Allows to vote via an authorised person.
• Right to free transport to the electoral establishment: Provides transportation to the voting place and back.

These facilities aim to guarantee maximum availability of the electoral process for older people and with mobility constraints.

Polish elections

Reports of planned amendment of the Electoral Code

In fresh weeks, information has emerged suggesting that the government is planning to make changes in Electoral Codewhich may affect the voting rights of seniors. According to unconfirmed reports, the amendment would aim at:

• Limitation of the right to vote by correspondence: This can only apply to persons with a disability, excluding older people without specified a decision.
• Amendments to the voting procedure by the proxy: The fresh rules may introduce additional restrictions or requirements, making it hard to usage this form of vote.
• Reduce the number of adapted electoral venues: This may impede access to voting for people with reduced mobility.

No authoritative confirmations

There is presently no authoritative information confirming these reports. State Election Commission and Ministry of Interior and Administration have not published any communications on the matter. President Andrzej Duda did not mention to rumors about the amendment of the Electoral Code.

If the information about the planned amendment proves to be true, it may face strong public opposition. Senior organisations and opposition parties can organise protests and actions to defend the voting rights of older people. This may besides affect the result of the presidential election if part of the public finds specified changes unacceptable.

There is presently no authoritative information confirming reports of a planned amendment of the Electoral Code to limit the voting rights of seniors. All the information in this case is based on unconfirmed rumors. Track messages State Election Commission and Ministry of Interior and Administration to get timely and reliable information.