*** Are you going to vote for the European elections? ***
By diamania
@diamania (7011)
Netherlands
May 23, 2009 1:24pm CST
I was at my work today when a customer began a conversation about the European elections. She told me she is not going to vote for the European elections because she believes that the European Union isn't 'tangible', she doesn't feel connected with Europe. And furthermore she said she believes that my country, Holland are already spending enough on Europe and that we don't see much in return for that money.
That inspired me to open this discussion. Are you going to vote for the European elections and what do actually think about the European Union?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
23 May 09
I live in the US and missed the deadline to register for the elections. It's a complicated process, lol. I moved away almost 15 years ago. Even when I still lived in Europe the ongoings in Strassburg really never registered much with me although their influence on the individual countries was growing at the time. All I knew/know was/is that Germany (which is where I come from) also pays way too much and receives too little. However, the way it is now, it's important to pay attention as the EU dictates more and more what the individual countries are doing and where the money goes. If people are dissatisfied with how much benefit their country is getting out of it, they might want to vote somebody in who is better at lobbying on their behalf.
1 person likes this
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
24 May 09
Are you able to vote when you live in the USA but come from Europe? Gee, I didn't know that, cheers for the information.
Of course everyone who is eligible to vote should do so. If you don't vote you don't change anything. What kind of party would you have voted for if you were eligible to vote? :)
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
24 May 09
Well, you know, who you vote for is your secret;) But honestly, the reason I missed the deadline was that I'm too busy to research the candidates and time flew by. Germany has a federal election in the fall. I'll have to try and make that deadline.
It's a lot of paperwork to fill out to get on the election rolls and get a ballot mailed to you, if you live abroad, but it's possible. The registration deadline for the European elections was May 17th. So you see, registration matters have to be taken care of well in advance of the election.
I might reside in the US but I still have German citizen status. That allows me to vote there and in the EU elections. Just not the local ones, because I don't officially have a residence there anymore. It makes sense to be allowed to vote because what goes on in Europe and Germany will influence me somehow. This year I wish I could also vote in the local election of my hometown in Germany. My brother is running for mayor. I think you can guess who'd get my vote there;)
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
24 May 09
Fun to see another person from Holland here on mylot 
.
I am going to vote. I believe that if we do not vote, we shouldn't be complaining about things that are going on in the Europian Union either. So basicly by voting you put in effort to show what you want for the Europian Union. My boyfriend didn't want to vote but he is empowering me so I can vote for him. That way his vote won't go to waste.
.
I am going to vote. I believe that if we do not vote, we shouldn't be complaining about things that are going on in the Europian Union either. So basicly by voting you put in effort to show what you want for the Europian Union. My boyfriend didn't want to vote but he is empowering me so I can vote for him. That way his vote won't go to waste.
.