“I felt less concerned, so I didn’t pay attention to the deadline.” Despite having arrived in Luxembourg in 1994, Anne (alias) has never voted in the municipal elections. This Sunday will be the first time she is going to the polls in the Grand Duchy.
“This year, I’ve paid more attention, I feel more involved in Luxembourg. With age comes wisdom”, she said with a smile. The woman of Belgian origin, now retired, admits that she had little time to devote to Luxembourg politics while she was working and bringing up her children. “I’m more available and my mind is more open to things other than work”.
Katerina, 31 and of Greek origin, moved to Luxembourg almost six years ago. For her too, this Sunday will be a first when she goes to the polling station to cast her vote in the local election. “When I arrived in 2017, I had a precarious contract, I didn’t think I’d be staying in Luxembourg”, stated Katerina.
Katerina has since obtained a permanent contract, settled into life in the Grand Duchy, and, above all, heard from friends that she can vote in the municipal elections as a foreigner. Even if she does not necessarily see herself in Luxembourg for the long term, she wants to play a part in society: “I’ve seen a lot of changes in six years ... and I feel closer to Luxembourg, my life is here”. Ultimately, voting is a way for her to feel involved and integrated.
For Anne too, voting brings a sense of integration. She has always followed the elections with interest and this year it was the choice of candidates that convinced her to register: “It’s a way of feeling like a citizen, I live in Luxembourg, I feel good here and I think it’s normal to vote. ... Everyone has the right to express themselves and we should take advantage of it.”
Katerina agrees, and although a few years ago it was far from obvious to her, she now recognises the opportunity for non-Luxembourg residents to make their voices heard: “There is a large foreign community living here and we must participate, take part in Luxembourg society.”
Like some 50,000 non-Luxembourg residents, about 20% of foreign residents, Anne and Katerina will be heading to the polls this Sunday. “For me, voting is a celebration, it’s a very joyful thing”, concludes Katerina, who has always voted in Greece.
