As we enter the final week for voter registration, it is now the last chance for international residents of Brussels to seize the opportunity to shape the future of our city by registering to vote.
Voting is not just a right; it's a powerful tool for change. Your participation matters and it can make a real difference.
Representation and Influence
Brussels is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with the international community making up a significant portion of the population. Despite this, as of May, only 12% of eligible internationals were registered to vote in local elections. This low turnout means our diverse community is underrepresented in local government decisions.
Local councils in Brussels hold substantial power, more so than local authorities in many other European countries. These councils make crucial decisions on public services, mobility, housing, transportation, education and community development.
Voting in the October municipal elections will allow residents to influence these decisions directly, ensuring that the needs and preferences of the international community are considered.
Power in numbers
In some communes, internationals can comprise up to half of the potential electorate. Without their participation, the city's democratic health is weakened and the interests of residents are inadequately represented.
Brussels faces a significant democratic deficit due to the low voter registration and turnout rates among non-Belgians. Increasing voter participation among internationals is essential to creating a more representative and inclusive local government.
There are structures working against internationals as well – for one, an arbitrary deadline months before the actual election. Another is rooted in the fact that every Belgian is automatically registered to vote, while every international must be informed and endeavour to register themselves.
Due to the automatic registration of all Belgians, there is no effort from the government to run any “Get Out the Vote” campaigns themselves. Civil society organisations must step in to fill the gap with a tiny fraction of the resources available to the government.
Despite these barriers, volunteers and organisations have stepped forward to meet the challenge – Restless Brussels, VoteBrussels, Stand Up For Europe and many more. These groups believe that engagement can lead to change, something particularly true in certain Brussels communes, where just a small number of votes can significantly impact election outcomes.
Event 'How to feel like a Brusseleir without being from Brussels (Etterbeek 1040)'. Credit: Restless Brussels
Beyond voting
A healthy democracy is not something that happens by accident. It depends on participation at every stage to keep it alive. However, this is not the only goal, voting is the first step towards a longer-term change and integration of the international community of Brussels into city life.
Once you have a reason to vote, you have a reason to read the media, follow your local politicians and have discussions with your neighbours. This involvement is not just about casting a vote but about becoming an active part of the community, influencing policies that directly affect everyday life, and fostering a more inclusive and engaged city.
How you can help
The first step to making a difference in Brussels is to ensure you are registered to vote. If you haven’t yet registered, do so immediately to be eligible for the October municipal elections. This small but crucial step allows you to have a say in local decisions that affect your daily life.
Once you’ve registered, the next impactful action you can take is to encourage others to do the same. Talk to your friends, colleagues, and neighbours about the importance of voting and help them understand how easy it is to register.
Address common myths quickly: reassure them that registration is simple and address the concerns of those nervous about mandatory voting. You can inform them that there is an option of delegating their vote to a friend if they’re not in town. You can also point out that more than 350,000 people did not vote in the previous municipal elections - and no one was fined.
Events running up to the elections
Restless Brussels has worked hard to transform the process of civic engagement into a motivating and enjoyable experience. It should be social and, dare we say, fun. The events will not only help attendants become better informed, they also connect participants with others who share interests and concerns.
The programme seeks to foster an engaging community spirit with a new and active cohort of citizens as we approach the communal elections, and beyond.
Join us in making Brussels a better place for everyone. Register to vote, encourage others to do the same and take part in our upcoming events. Together, we can ensure that our community is well-represented and that our voices are heard.
To keep up to date on our upcoming election events, sign up to our mailing list on restless.brussels.
