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 share concerns about the rise of populism, anti-democratic tendencies, and the shrinking space for political compromise. This prompted us to ask: What can a small group of foreigners living in the Czech Republic do to defend the values we believe in?
The answer we found lies in the power of voting. Elections are one of the most effective tools for every citizen to shape our shared future, yet many new Czech citizens don’t exercise their right to vote. Studies around the world (1., 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 change this by encouraging those who have become Czech citizens in the past decade, or who will soon become citizens, to actively participate in national and local elections. We want people to have a better understanding of the political landscape and electoral processes, empowering them to make informed decisions and to ensure their voices are heard in Czech society. Our campaign is centered around four key pillars:
Pillar 1: Why vote?
We emphasize the importance of voting by explaining that every vote matters, and political participation can drive real change. By illustrating how close election results can be, we show how even a single vote can impact the final outcome. Beyond the legal right to vote, we emphasize both the practical impact of voting and the moral responsibility, especially in times when democratic values are at risk. Through personal stories, analyses, and testimonies from naturalized citizens, combined with targeted messaging, we aim to forge a personal connection between new Czech voters and the democratic process.
Pillar 2: What political parties represent
Our approach uniquely presents the political landscape in a way that resonates with people from migrant backgrounds. We recognize that traditional election guides created by Czech media often overlook the concerns of migrant communities. In collaboration with activists with a migrant background and political scientists, we will analyze political party programs and behaviours, linking them to issues that matter most to the different linguistic groups of naturalized Czech citizens, such as integration, social services, labor rights, and education. We will deliver relevant news and analyses, with the ultimate goal of creating an electoral calculator (volební kalkulačka) tailored to the specific needs and concerns of naturalized citizens.
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. We will make these guides accessible in multiple languages, catering to the largest linguistic groups of naturalized citizens in the Czech Republic. These 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.
Pillar 4: Engage peers and multiply (y)our impact
We encourage you not only to vote but to inspire others by engaging your friends, family, and community in the electoral process. We provide practical tips for starting conversations about the importance of voting and sharing accessible resources that explain the process. Whether through casual discussions, social media, or organizing small gatherings, you can help activate those around you. By sharing your own experiences and encouraging others to vote, you’ll multiply the impact and help create a more informed, engaged, and empowered electorate in the Czech Republic.
