There are an estimated 600,000 Finns living abroad. We know surprisingly little of their voting
behaviour even though statistical data is available. What drives expats to vote?
Tradition, duty? Genuine willingness to influence in the political life of the fatherland? Is there
always a strong correlation between time spent away and non-voting? How big an issue is physical
distance? Is alienation shown through non-participation? Which would be ways to activate expat
voters to participate? Is national election in the old homeland less interesting than, say, local
election in the country of residence? Which lessons could we learn concerning the European
election? Are the expats happily assimilated or still identifying themselves clearly as Finnish – or
do they end up feeling in-betweens?