Voting Rights by Country 2024

In democratic nations, the right to vote is an essential part of being a citizen. People with voting rights have a valuable say in the overall national decision-making process and a chance to be heard.

However, voting rights in practice can still differ considerably from one country to the next, especially when it comes to who actually has them. Here’s a closer look at how things stack up worldwide, as well as a few key factors that can contribute to a country’s approach to voting rights.

Countries Worldwide with Universal Voting Rights

Also known as universal suffrage, the universal right to vote is something only 22 world countries claim to have as of 2023. However, these rights may or may not actually be realized due to a variety of different factors.

The following are a few examples of how universal voting rights play out in several countries with universal suffrage.

New Zealand

As New Zealand was the first self-governed country to grant women the right to vote in 1893, it’s often looked to as a leading example of what universal voting rights should look like. New Zealand has steadily expanded voter’s rights over the years to eventually include every eligible citizen.

Canada

In Canada, both native citizens and permanent residents are allowed to participate in the election process, making it yet another country often celebrated for its ongoing approach to voting equality.

Brazil

Over the years, Brazil has gone well beyond the minimum when it comes to championing voting rights. As of 2023, a very wide range of different citizens are allowed to participate in the electoral process. This includes prisoners and teenagers aged 16 and up.

South Africa

During its transition to democracy from apartheid during the 1990s, South Africa stood out for its efforts to ensure every citizen had voting rights regardless of their race or ethnic background.

Additional Challenges Related to Voting Rights

Although an expansion of voting rights is a step in the right direction when it comes to making sure all citizens are heard, there are additional challenges to consider, as well. Examples include:

• Voter Turnout: In many cases, voters still face daunting obstacles that can affect whether they turn up to vote on election days.
• Migrant Residents: At present, migrants, refugees, and non-citizens only enjoy voting rights in a few nations worldwide, which can lead to underrepresentation.
• Accessibility Issues: Voter suppression efforts, a shortage of polling stations, and similar issues still sometimes impact voters’ ability to exercise their right to vote in the first place.