Local elections

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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.

Europeans 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.

In order to be able to vote you 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 alien 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. The procedure is straightforward:

  • 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 Brussels city council addresses.

Important information

--> 'Can I still vote in my own country?'
Yes, whoever takes part in local elections in Belgium is still entitled to vote in all elections in their own country.

--> '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.

--> 'I voted in the previous local elections. Do I have to register again?'
No, your registration is still valid, even if you have moved to another municipality in the meantime.

--> '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, Europeans can be elected and potentially even become aldermen.

Any questions? Call 02 280 00 80 or send an e-mail to info@blbe.be.

Dowload this information as a PDF document.

Useful website: http://bruxelleselections2012.irisnet.be/.