Updated: We should all be able to vote in France

To the Editor,

I have strong opinions on this subject.

I have been living in France continuously since summer 1982, that is 44 years.

I worked all my professional life here and have recently retired (April 1 this year) on a French State pension.

I studied French to degree level in the UK before I settled, and am, I believe, just about as fluent as it is possible to be.

I fully understand reactions from native French residents who do not want foreigners to vote, but after "X" years of residency (where the value of "X" can be debated) and law-abiding citizenship, that surely could be waived.

I genuinely believe I am nowadays, quite officially, a second-class citizen: I have to pay my taxes here - that doesn't seem to bother any political party - so why can I not vote?

P.D.

I have been living in France for over twenty years and pay income tax here, yet I cannot vote in local elections. I understand this is a result of Brexit, but it does not make sense as this is a local matter, not a national one.

My wife and I feel we are part of the local community, we contribute, we spend here, and we support local life, yet we have no say.

M.P.

We live here, we are part of the local community, we pay taxes here, we spend money here, but we cannot vote here.

It boils down to the complaint of the American colonies as expressed in the Boston Tea Party: “No taxation without representation!”

L.B.

Yes, I believe we should be allowed to vote in local elections. We pay all our taxes.

We have lived in our village for 40 years and used to vote until Brexit. We understand why we are not allowed to vote for the President, as we have not taken French nationality.

M.W.

Opening voting to non-citizens risks exposing the system to manipulation to a greater extent than is currently the case. As can be seen elsewhere, certain groups may attempt to take over local government.

Only citizens should be allowed to vote. I have lived in France for 25 years, have never voted, and consider myself a fortunate guest in this country. Politics is none of my business.

It would be different if I obtained citizenship, but at my age that is unlikely.

K.H.

I’ve been living in France for 30 years, pay my taxes (higher than in my own country), and feel I have no voice.

I have done volunteer work for my commune, taught languages locally, helped elderly neighbours, and integrated into community life. I also speak French.

Despite this, I feel excluded from decisions affecting the place I live. After so many years, I am very disappointed and considering leaving France.

E.L.

I am 30 years a resident in France but since Brexit I am a non-EU resident.

I would welcome the right to vote locally since I pay my taxes, contribute to the community, and share my life in France. It matters to be able to participate in local elections and understand how municipal resources are used.

I feel it is important to have a voice in local democracy, especially when it comes to accountability and local governance.

A.F

I would welcome the opportunity to vote in future municipal elections in France. 

Not only do I pay local property taxes, I also pay income tax because I live here. I spend my money here and have integrated well into the local community.

I have tried to vote by post in UK elections, but the time allowed to return it is not long enough and therefore my right to vote is meaningless. 

I basically have no ability to vote anywhere. I contacted the UK (Scottish) electoral office, but did not even receive a reply.

Being a foreigner, a woman, and not allowed to vote means I am living under political conditions as they were before suffrage.

S.T.

If you live in a country where you pay all your taxes, support local businesses, and are part of the community, then you should have a say in all of that country's elections.

But I don't think you should have the right to vote in a country you no longer live in, just because you were born there.

L.D.

Do you think foreign residents in France should be allowed to vote in local or national elections? Share your views with us at letters@connexionfrance.com