Over 5.3 million residents of legal voting age in Germany have no right to vote in federal and communal elections, eventhough they have been living and working here on the average of 16 years. It's because they do not have a German or EU passport.
Since 1994 EU-nationals of legal voting age have the right to vote or run as candidates during local elections in all EU-member states. But in many of the EU-27 states, non-EU nationals - roughly 21,8 million citizens - still have no voting rights. We want to change this.
The right to participate in elections is a basic principle of every democratic state. Foreign citizen participation in elections promotes integration and expresses social and political equality. This is already common practice in 14 of 27 EU countries. As well in other European countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.
Anyone who is affected by political decisions and who pays taxes should be involved in the decision-making process through voting rights. That’s how democracy works.
Our campaign
In conjunction with the 2019 EU-elections and local elections in European states, we have started a campaign for political participation and equal voting rights.
Through symbolic elections and other events, we raise awareness about equal voting rights.
We aim to motivate citizens with migration backgrounds to make use of their voting rights and invite residents who are not legally allowed to vote, to cast a symbolic vote in one of our symbolic polling stations. There, we will use the same election procedure as the official election. After the election, the ballots will be officially presented to the elected representatives.
Migrant councils and organizations in Europe have formed coalitions and networks, like the nationwide network “Wir Wählen” in Germany or the collective “J’y suis, j’y vote” in France. The Europe-wide network VRAR (Voting Rights for All Residents) was founded in 2020, with voting rights initiatives from 6 European countries. Be part of the change and join us!
Act now and support the campaign
Vote symbolically for more participation
Take a stand and cast your vote during one of our symbolic elections. Learn more about equal voting rights at one of our information booths or during one of our events.
Events
Support us in your area
Support one of our partners in your area by hanging up posters, or take part in a symbolic election event. Or simply get in contact with one of our partners in your area.
Find a Community Partner
Start a campaign in your area
If there is no partner in your area, you can become active yourself. Set up an information booth, organize events or coordinate symbolic elections in order to raise awareness. We can provide you with the necessary experience, materials and guidance. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your campaign!
Download Manual for Symbolic Elections
Contact
Events and polling stations in Europe
active initiative
23.10.2021 - big event
European Network Meeting - VRAR
online/ more info coming soon
03.08.2021 - 7.30 pm
European Network Meeting - VRAR
online/ please contact
08.06.2021 - 7 pm
European Network Meeting - VRAR
online/ please contact
10.05.2021 - 7 pm
European Network Meeting - VRAR
online/ please contact
09.03.2021 - 7 pm
European Network Meeting - VRAR
online/ please contact
active initiative in this country
active initiative in this country
active initiative in this country
Since 2020
Campaign - 5 Jahre Basel
voting rights after 5 years of residence in Basel
active initiative in this country
26.05.2021 - 6.30 pm
collectif j'y suis, j'y vote - Network Meeting
open to all interested initiatives
26.04.2021 - 7.30 pm
collectif j'y suis, j'y vote - Network Meeting
open to all interested initiatives
onlinef
04.03. - 15.03.2020
Vote Symbolique e Votation Citoyenne
Paris, Amiens, Saint Denis, Bagnolet, Créteil, Gennevilliers, Villetaneuse, Montreuil
active initiative in this country
active initiative in this country
News
Initiatives in Europe
14 out of 27 EU-member states already practice voting rights for some or all „third country nationals“.
In other EU-member states, as well as in non-EU-countries, a variety of initiatives from France, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Germany advocate for equal voting rights in their respective countries. In 2020, the initiatives below have founded the Europe-wide network VRAR – Voting Rights for ALL Residents:
The campaign “I live here, I vote here” is inspired by the nationwide network “Wir wählen” in Germany,
and supported by Citizens for Europe and realized by Freiburger Wahlkreis 100%.
