Reporting from Público finds many emigrants must travel hundreds of kilometres to reach Portuguese diplomatic missions to vote, using consulates (consulados) for passports, citizen cards and electoral participation. The piece profiles voters who combine document services and ballots at consular posts and highlights the travel burden for residents abroad who lack nearby polling locations. Those living overseas should check their designated consulate and travel plans well ahead of polling days.
Emigrants travel hundreds of kilometres to vote abroad
Saturday, 17 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
A consulate is a local office representing a foreign country in a city outside the capital that provides consular services such as passport renewal, notary services, help for citizens in distress and often handles voting arrangements for nationals abroad. For example, Brazilians in Portugal commonly use Brazilian consulates (or the embassy) to register and vote in elections, so check which consular district covers your address before you travel to vote.
