Notable Examples of Bans or Strict Curtailments
โข France: Banned postal voting for most residents in 1975 after documented fraud (especially in Corsica). Limited exceptions exist (e.g., some detainees), and itโs available for citizens abroad in certain cases. Proxy voting and Sunday elections are alternatives.
โข Mexico: Banned absentee/mail-in methods in 1991 (effective ~1992) to combat fraud and intimidation. Residents still cannot vote by mail domestically, though it was partially reintroduced for some abroad voters since 2006, with other options like consular voting.
โข Many Latin American countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic): Generally no in-country mail-in voting. Citizens abroad often vote in person at embassies/consulates. Voting is frequently compulsory.
โข Russia: Does not allow mail-in voting (for residents or most abroad); relies on in-person, multi-day voting, or limited online options in some regions.
โข Ukraine: No mail-in due to security risks (especially post-2022 invasion); uses mobile ballot boxes, address changes, and embassy voting.
โข Middle East (broadly): Most countries do not permit mail-in voting (e.g., limited or none in Israel for abroad, Morocco, Tunisia). Focus is on in-person.
โข Others with restrictions:
โข Belgium, Sweden, Italy: Generally no for residents (proxy/early voting alternatives); available for some abroad.
โข Japan: Limited to certain disabilities or conditions for residents.
@SL42821@F1 That would be awesome but they wonโt.
Personally I think it should go and we have a race on the African continent to make it proper world championship.
South Africa can host at kyalami.
UK Economy: Not All Positive โ Key Concerns
โข Weak Growth: Q1 2026 GDP rose 0.6% (strong services-led quarter), but full-year 2026 forecasts remain anaemic at 0.8โ1.1% after repeated downgrades, hit by energy shocks, global uncertainty, and subdued business/consumer spending.
โข Rising Unemployment: Rate now ~5.0โ5.2%, up from earlier lows, with forecasts of a peak around 5.3โ5.5% in 2026. Payroll jobs falling and retailers/other sectors cutting roles amid higher costs and taxes.
โข Inflation Pressures: Headline CPI easing but risks rebounding above 3% (potentially higher with energy shocks); sticky services/core inflation and geopolitical risks (e.g., Middle East) threaten households via higher bills.
โข Broader Headwinds: Persistent productivity weakness, per capita GDP stagnation, high public debt, policy-driven business costs, and vulnerability to external shocks. One decent quarter doesnโt offset the grind of low growth and tightening conditions for many families and firms.
The picture is far from thrivingโrisks of stagnation remain real.
@MaryBowdenMD No. I donโt want my organs harvested while I am still alive which is how they are taken.
They sedate you slightly, minimal pain relief and then go organ mining.
Thanks but no thanks.