How to Talk about Voting in the Local Elections

Messaging

The way you word things can have different impacts. We recommend using the following phrasing when talking about voting:

• Address: Did you know that internationals make up 22% of the Leuven population and around half are eligible to vote? (Tip: use the term ‘internationals’ instead of 'expats' or ‘non-belgian’.)
• Emphasise: I vote because…, The municipality needs us because…., I care about voting because….
• Show: Signing up to vote is easy! (Tip: use ‘sign up’ instead of ‘register’ when talking about voting.)
• Call to action: Can I count on you to join the international community and vote?
• Recognition: Thank you for your contribution!
• Spread the news: Do you have any friends and family that are also eligible to sign up to vote?

Background: why it’s important

• There are some 11,000 eligible international voters in Leuven (and just over 66,000 Belgian voters).
• In 2018, only 10% of internationals voted. Less than 2300 votes determined the winning party. 9400 internationals didn’t vote.
• While Belgians are automatically registered, internationals have to actively register.
• Many don’t know they can vote, how to register or who to vote for.

Key issues to talk about

• You must register by 31 July to vote on 13 October. After registering, you have time to learn about local parties and candidates.
• In Belgium, there is more power at the local level than in most other countries. The local council is responsible for education, local policing, city life, green spaces, daycare, local services like the library and IHL and so much more! The next chance to vote isn’t until 2030.
• Myths: Registering here doesn’t stop you from voting in your home-country. It’s not compulsory. You won’t get fined for not voting. It has no impact on your taxes or residence status.

Key data to help you have an informed discussion

• Check out our FAQs about voting in Belgium
• Explore our compilation of data about Leuven internationals and voters
• If you're looking for data outside Leuven you can explore the raw data for your local area by looking at the voter registration data from 2018 - you'll find a breakdown of EU and non-EU voting numbers as well as details for each nationality, and different places around Belgium.
• You can also download and print our 1 page quick guide for helping internationals to vote on the link below.

With thanks to Dr Thomas Huddleston and Vote Brussels for insipiration