Swedes Abroad Set Voting Record: “I Vote for the World’s Future”

LONDON. Around 700,000 Swedes live abroad, yet only a small number of them vote in national elections. This year, that may change—with early ballots suggesting a possible record turnout. “I have chosen the party I believe treats people who need help the best,” says Adrian Blazquez, who cast his vote early at the Swedish School in London. Another expatriate, Inger, who has lived in London for decades, admits she knows little about Swedish domestic politics. Still, she says, “I vote for the world’s future.” The Swedish diaspora is spread across the globe, from EU capitals to distant cities. Voting from abroad is often seen as complicated, but officials report increased interest this election cycle. For many, the motivation is not only national. Global issues—climate, migration, and international cooperation—push them to the ballot box. Whether the final numbers confirm a record, one thing is clear: Swedes abroad are making their voices heard.