31 July deadline for non-Belgians to register to vote in municipal elections

Non-Belgians have until the end of July to register to vote in the October municipal elections. People who voted in the 2018 municipal elections need not sign up again.

After the regional, federal and European elections a few weeks ago, Belgians are again heading to the voting booth on 13 October for the municipal and provincial elections, where they will elect the municipal and provincial council members.

Decisions made at town hall can make daily life more expensive, or they can ensure affordable access to resources. Non-Belgians can also vote but should sign up before 31 July. In Brussels, non-Belgian citizens make up a third of the population. By voting, they can make their voices heard in their municipality and help direct the policing that affects their daily lives. A municipal council decides on almost all plans and rules in the municipality, from waste and traffic to housing construction. 

All EU citizens living in Belgium who wish to vote can register for the electoral list online or via a paper form, which will not affect the right to vote in their home country, their residence status, employment or taxes.

^{A voting booth © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}