Did you know that Brussels is the most international city in the democratic world? There is as much as 315,000 eligible international voters, 77% of them being EU citizens. They are one third of all potential voters across the 19 Brussels communes. In some communes such as Ixelles, Saint Gilles or Etterbeek, non-Belgians make up almost half of the population.

Unfortunately, many of these potential voters do not sign up or vote due to a lack of information, resulting in a democratic deficit. For example, only 17% (!) of non-Belgians voted in the last local elections in Brussels in 2018. 

All this despite the fact that the local level of governance in Belgium has extensive powers, possibly more than anywhere else in Europe. The communes have authority over local greenery and infrastructure, climate change adaptation, public works, social welfare, public order, housing, education, and more. Voting is a way for us to have a say in our communities! 

The 2024 elections in Brussels are predicted to be competitive and could lead to significant changes in your commune, making it important not to give up your right to vote. 

As an EU citizen, you have the right to vote in local elections from the first day you arrive in Belgium, but you must register. Fortunately, signing up to vote is now simple and can be done quickly online for the first time. It only takes 1-2 minutes: http://www.inscription.elections.fgov.be/.  You have time to do it until the end of July. 

Most non-Belgians can register online using their ID card reader or an app like itsme®. If you don’t have a Belgian card with a chip, you might even be able to use your ID card from your home country. If you still cannot access the online registration platform, you’ll need to sign up using a paper form – more info in the links below. 

But will I be obliged to vote every time in the future if I register? Once you have signed up, you are expected to vote on 13 October 2024. You can do this in person or by giving your vote to another voter by “proxy” if you are unable to attend. And you also have the right to deregister (which is not the case for Belgians).  

So take the opportunity to sign up today and encourage your friends and family to do the same!

As always, if you have questions or comments, feel free to contact us.

__________
More info:
https://vote.brussels/
https://www.commissioner.brussels/i-am-an-expat/election-2024/
https://www.brussels.be/registration-municipal-elections/