ECIT foundation

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR INCLUSIVE EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY!

ECIT Foundation, Voters Without Borders, and Stand Up for Europe are organising a Symbolic Vote from 10.00 to 18.00 on Friday 26 April, on the Esplanade of the European Parliament and in Place de la Petite Suisse in Brussels. With just a few days to go, don’t miss the opportunity to get involved.

All are welcome — particularly first-time voters — to vote on 3 questions:

• Should votes at 16 be spread throughout the EU? 
• Should EU citizens be able to vote and stand in all elections in their country of residence? 
• Should the political rights of EU citizens be extended to all residents?

Three rendezvous points will take place on the Esplanade on Friday 26 April:

• at 12.00 — for the press and multipliers
• at 14.00 — for policy makers
• at 16.00 — for schools

Why 26 April? It is International Voting Rights Day celebrating the 110th anniversary of the first symbolic vote organised by the women of France. Whilst we will be on the Esplanade of the European Parliament, they will be back on Place de la République in Paris.

Why now? It’s not just to celebrate the historical struggle to enlarge the franchise, 26 April also marks the end of the current EU legislature and the start of the European election campaign.

Sure, it’s important to defend European democracy against external threats, but not good enough. The reform agenda pioneered by the old European Parliament needs to be kept alive to strengthen European democracy from within.

Your votes and suggestions will be gathered together in a report with recommendations to the new Parliament to follow up and see implemented reforms proposed by its predecessor. This is a realistic aim, but it may be overlooked without your support.

We look forwarding to seeing you there!

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO BRUSSELS ON 26 APRIL, DON'T WORRY — WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!

We will also organise an e-version of the vote, for those unable to visit us in person at one of our stands. This will be open from 26 April to 9 June, with details to follow very soon! 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Lastly, we strongly encourage you not just to vote but also to share:

• this announcement by simply forwarding it on.
• the event poster which you can print off and display with the QR code for the electronic vote until 9 June 2024.
• the event announcements posted on our social media channels — please do like, share and repost these!