The globalization of political, personal and professional life, the spread of democracy throughout the world and an increase in migration have all contributed to an increasing interest in voting rights for refugees, diplomats, members of the armed forces serving overseas and other people who are temporarily or permanently absent from their own country. The ability of these people to exercise their right to vote when an election in their home country takes place has long been an issue in electoral design and management. As the number of countries holding democratic elections has increased, however, it has become much more salient. It is not only that many more people are travelling and working around the globe. As elections take place in countries in transition after authoritarian rule, and even more so after violent conflict, the rights of refugees and people living outside a country to participate in building its future are increasingly important. 

The Out of Country Voting Encyclopedia topic aims to engage stakeholders in the discussion in order to improve current structures, future readiness and practice in out-of-country voting. The topic contributes to the discussion of the basic principle of representation and how to operationalize and balance criteria such as inclusiveness and effectiveness. It also offers a general understanding of electoral and institutional design issues on the part of legislators, EMBs, political parties and other participants debating change.