The Dematerialised Electoral Rolls project modernises Portugal’s voting system with secure, digital voter rolls that reduce errors, increase accessibility, and strengthen democracy.
A DIGITAL BREAKTHROUGH IN DEMOCRACY
The Dematerialised Electoral Rolls (CED) project marks a major leap in electoral innovation, replacing decades-old paper systems with a secure, real-time digital platform. This transformation improves voter identification, reduces human error, prevents double voting, and streamlines operations at polling stations across Portugal and abroad.
MAKING VOTING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND EFFICIENT
One of CED’s most impactful features is voter mobility—citizens can now vote from any polling station in the country or overseas without prior registration, simply by presenting their ID. This flexibility reduces abstention, especially for citizens who live far from their registered polling locations. Real-time turnout tracking enhances election logistics and responsiveness, while detailed demographic data supports future civic planning.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SECURITY IN ELECTIONS
By eliminating printed electoral rolls, the project saves around 6 tonnes of paper per election, significantly reducing environmental impact and costs. Importantly, the system maintains essential democratic guarantees: vote secrecy, uniqueness, and in-person verification. Its design ensures public trust by safeguarding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The CED project offers a replicable model for other democracies seeking to modernise elections. It is a sustainable, secure, and inclusive innovation that simplifies the voting process, enhances data-driven decision-making, and strengthens citizen engagement with democratic institutions.
