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Vote in Belgian local elections

This information is also available in French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italien, Greek, Portugese, Polish and Romanian.

Why should I vote?

You live and work in Belgium. Sometimes you are proud of your environment and sometimes it irritates you. You are aware of what works well and what could be improved. Your opinion counts! Let your voice be heard in local elections.

The powers of the municipalities’ in Belgium are quite broad. They make decisions that have a direct impact on our daily lives: the construction of roads and squares, parking policies, waste management, housing, education, culture, sport, security and much more. Some concrete examples.

EU citizens are entitled to vote in local elections. Do you want a say in your municipality’s future? Do not forget to register to vote before 31 July 2012.

EU citizens must meet four criteria:

  1. Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union.
  2. Live in a Belgian municipality and be registered in the population or aliens register on 31 July 2012.
  3. Be at least 18 years old on 14 October 2012.
  4. Be registered to vote.

Non-European citizens can also vote in local elections, subject to different criteria. More info.

Register to vote.

  • Download the REGISTRATION FORM.
  • Complete the form and submit it to your municipality before 31 July 2012. You can return the document by post. Click here for the addresses of 19 municipalities.
  • The form is available in French and Dutch. In the Brussels Region you can complete it in both languages, in Flanders you have to complete it in Dutch and in Wallonia in French.

Important information (FAQ)

Can I still vote in my own country?
Yes, if you take part in local elections in Belgium, you are still entitled to vote in all elections in your own country.

  • However, if you aren’t registered in a municipality in your home country, you will probably not be asked to vote in local elections (which municipality would you vote for?). This doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to vote for national or European elections in your home country.
  • If you are registered in a municipality in your home country AND in a Belgian municipality, you can vote for local elections in both countries.
  • There is one exception: Irish people living abroad lose their right to vote in their home country for all elections and referenda. This is always the case, it doesn’t make any difference if they register to vote in Belgium or not.

What happens if I am abroad or ill on 14 October 2012?
No worries, you can provide another voter with a power of attorney to vote on your behalf. We will put the power of attorney form online as soon as it is available.

Can I get a fine if I don’t vote?
Once registered, voting is compulsory. According to the law, you can get a reprimand or a fine between 25 and 50 euros if you don’t vote. However, in practice there is a certain tolerance and fines are rarely given.

I voted in the previous local elections. Do I have to register again?
No, your registration is still valid. Municipal elections are held every six years.

Does my registration stays valid if I move to another Belgian municipality?
Your registration is automatically transferred to your new municipality, even if it is located in another region. If you are not registered in your new municipality by July 31, you will have to vote in your former municipality.

I am registered but I no longer wish to vote.
You can simply request to be removed from the register of voters. This is impossible between 31 July and 14 October 2012, but it is possible afterwards.

What if I voted in Belgium in the European elections?
You also have to register for local elections. These are two different procedures.

Can I stand as a candidate in local elections?
Yes, EU citizens can be elected and potentially even become aldermen. However, EU citizens can’t become mayor.

What happens once I’m registered to vote?
You will receive an official notice confirming your registration. Some weeks before October 14 you will receive a notification to attend. On the day of the elections, you have to take this notification and your identity card with you to the polling station.

Any questions?

Vote in local elections Belgium