Municipal elections in Hungary 2019 – Are you eligible to vote?
It is common knowledge that at governmental elections and at referenda, only citizens of a given country have the right to vote. But what about municipal elections?
Local elections for local residents
Municipal elections concern how things are run locally. As a result, not only Hungarian citizens are allowed to vote but also residents in Hungary who have a registered address with a plastic address card in the given area. You are probably eligible if you have one of the following documents:
- EU registration card
- residency card issued to a family member of an EU citizen
- national permanent residence permit
- permanent residence card
If you are eligible for voting at the municipal elections, you were automatically added to the list of local voters when you registered your address. This means you have received a letter from the local government stating the time and date of the elections, together with the venue where you can cast your vote.
What are municipal elections about?
At the municipal elections, we elect the local mayor and local council members. If you live in Budapest, you will get to elect 3 people:
- a representative to the local (district) council
- the local mayor (of the district you live in)
- the mayor of Budapest
Your vote helps determine who will represent your interests in local decision making over the next 5 years.
How to vote at the municipal elections?
If you are eligible, you have already received an info sheet in your mail about the upcoming elections. The time and date of the next elections:
- 13 October, 2019 (Sunday), 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The venue where you can cast your vote is also indicated in the letter. If you live in Budapest, it is most probably the school closest to your registered address.
Make sure to have the following identification documents with you:
- Your ID / passport
- The above listed residency document you have
- Your address card
When you show your documents to the committee managing the voting process, they look up your name in their list, and if it is there, you can vote. The list also serves as an attendance sheet you have to sign. You will receive a ballot for each election (so 3 sheets in Budapest), together with an envelope. In the room, you will see a small booth where you can vote in private, just close the curtain and mark the candidates you prefer on each ballot. After you put the ballots in the envelope and closed it, you can drop the envelope in the ballot box set up in the same room.
Take the opportunity to exercise your right to vote at the municipal elections!
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