Introducing the #CheckYourselfInTheRegistry Campaign
The civil network OPORA has launched the #CheckYourselfInTheRegistry initiative to encourage Ukrainian voters to review and update their data in the State Voter Registry. This drive aims to reflect the significant population shifts caused by internal displacement, citizens living abroad, and other changes. By ensuring voter records are current before the elections begin, Ukrainians can avoid administrative errors and secure their right to participate in the first elections held since the war started.
Currently, the State Voter Registry in Ukraine does not accurately represent millions of citizens. Approximately one-third of Ukrainians live in a different location than their official registration. In Kyiv alone, 44% of residents reside outside their registered address. This figure stands at 32% in other cities, 26% in regional centers, and 21% in rural areas. By the end of 2025, there were 4.7 million internally displaced persons officially registered across Ukraine, including 441,000 in Kyiv. Notably, 77% of these displaced individuals live away from their registered addresses.
The Need to Update Voter Information
The campaign also highlights the situation of Ukrainian citizens currently abroad. Data shows that 4.3 million refugees have left the country, with 20.3% originating from Kyiv and 11.9% from Kharkiv region. Among those abroad, only 16% are registered with Ukrainian consulates, while 60% are not. Surveys reveal that 55% of Ukrainians are aware of the State Voter Registry's existence, whereas 38% have never heard of it.
Most citizens are willing to update their voter details: 58% say they would do so on their own initiative, and 77% would respond if prompted by government outreach. The preferred method for updating information is through the 'Diia' app (77%), followed by:
- Administrative Service Centers (17%)
- Local government offices (12%)
- The official State Voter Registry website (11%)
Andriy Savchuk, OPORA representative, states: "Eighty-one percent of internally displaced persons already consider their current residence as their primary home. This shift in voter geography is not a temporary wartime anomaly but a new reality. Therefore, updating the State Voter Registry must happen before the election process begins, not during it. Once elections are officially called, the system will face immense pressure, increasing the risk of errors."
People who are especially encouraged to check their voter records include those who:
- have moved or changed their registration address
- hold internally displaced person status
- have fled abroad due to the war
- have changed their surname or other personal details
- turned 18 during the ongoing full-scale war
- want to confirm that deceased relatives are not listed in the registry
Updating voter information can be done easily through various channels: the 'Diia' app, Administrative Service Centers (CNAP), local government offices, and the State Voter Registry's website.
The #CheckYourselfInTheRegistry campaign is a crucial step in preparing Ukraine for upcoming elections amid profound demographic shifts caused by the conflict. Keeping the voter registry accurate not only improves data reliability but also safeguards the voting rights of many Ukrainians whose circumstances have changed. This effort reflects the government's commitment to supporting citizens during challenging times and ensuring broad democratic participation.