Madam, – As a Belgian citizen residing in Ireland for 25 years, I was surprised to read a letter (June 10th) from six non-Irish EU citizens who are also long-time residents here. For the last elections they were only allowed to vote for their local candidates, yet were denied a vote in the European elections; apparently, non-Irish EU citizens should provide some proof they will not be voting in their home country, thus avoiding double voting.
Then, another non-Irish EU citizen residing here (Brigitte Roche, June 12th) not only explains she had encountered the same problem, but also reached out to other EU citizens in Ireland, wondering if some might have been granted the European vote.
It is my pleasure to fill her in on this issue. For the last local and European elections, as for all the previous ones since residing here, I cast my vote as any Irish citizen is entitled to. Although my knowledge in such matters is rather limited, one explanation might come from the fact that I also exercise my vote for the general elections in Belgium via the services of the Belgian embassy in Dublin, where I am officially registered as a resident here.
Hoping this might help my fellow EU residents in Ireland who were unfortunately denied their European vote. I also use this opportunity to call on anyone who might enlighten us on this question.
– Yours, etc,