European Elections 2024: Voting Compulsory for 16-17 Year Olds in Belgium

Belgium’s Constitutional Court recently issued a ruling mandating that 16 and 17-year-olds in the country must participate in the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 9th.

This decision expands the electorate to include teenagers, a demographic previously exempt from compulsory voting laws.

The court’s judgment supersedes the former exemption for individuals under 18, marking a significant shift in Belgium’s electoral regulations.

Under Belgian law, voting is obligatory for citizens aged 18 and above, with non-compliance subject to financial penalties.

Failure to participate in elections on at least four occasions within a 15-year span can lead to the revocation of voting rights for adults.

Until now, individuals below the age of 18 were not subject to these mandatory voting requirements.

The recent ruling by the Constitutional Court effectively eliminates the exemption for underage individuals, thereby making voting compulsory for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Consequently, teenagers failing to fulfill their civic duty by not participating in elections could face sanctions. This decision aligns with Belgium’s broader commitment to civic engagement and participation in democratic processes.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Alain Hutchinson, the Brussels Commissioner for Europe, acknowledged the significance of extending voting obligations to teenagers.

However, he voiced concerns regarding the timing of the ruling, which was issued a mere ten days before the deadline for voter registration.

Hutchinson criticised the timing of the decision, highlighting potential challenges for ensuring that eligible teenagers are properly registered to vote within the constrained timeframe.

Overall, the court’s ruling marks a notable development in Belgium’s electoral landscape, extending the scope of mandatory voting to include teenagers.

While this decision reflects a commitment to fostering democratic participation among young citizens, concerns have been raised regarding the practical implications of implementing this mandate, particularly given the limited window for voter registration.

Read Also: Should people in Northern Ireland have a vote in 2024 European Parliament elections? asks Else Kvist, of New Europeans UK

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