For a democracy, universal, equal, direct, secret and free suffrage is an overriding right. In the member states of the Council of Europe, a tendency can be identified – reinforced by the ECHR, the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR – to grant the right to vote in national elections to all citizens where possible, both legally and de facto. It should be highlighted that the remaining restrictions on the right to vote (prisoners, persons with mental disabilities and/or under guardianship etc.) are increasingly under discussion. Furthermore, effective voter registration is being fostered as well as a variety of absentee voting procedures, designed to ensure that those voters who cannot cast their vote(s) on election day at the polling station, in their constituency or state territory, are able to vote. This should be viewed positively in principle. However, it should be accompanied by measures to ensure the integrity of the elections.