🗳️ Do I have to vote in Belgium?

With conditions

Quick answer

Usually yes — Belgium has compulsory turnout, but Flanders made local voting voluntary. For federal, European and regional elections you must show up at the polling station (or vote by proxy); what you vote is free — blank or spoiled counts, since the booth is secret. The break came in October 2024: Flanders abolished compulsory turnout for municipal and provincial elections — the first vote ever without the duty, and turnout promptly dropped sharply. In Wallonia and Brussels the duty also remains at local level. On paper a no-show risks a reprimand or fine, but prosecutors haven't pursued anyone since 2003 — the duty is mostly principle. Truly unable? Grant a proxy or send a certificate to the justice of the peace.

📋 The rules

Federal/European/regional: compulsory turnout for every registered voter
Flemish local (since 2024): duty abolished — voting there is a right
Walloon/Brussels local: the duty remains
Blank or spoiled votes allowed — the duty is showing up, not choosing
Prevented? Proxy or certificate (illness, work, abroad)

🔓 Exceptions

16- and 17-year-olds: entitled to vote for the European Parliament
Non-Belgians: may register for municipal elections (local rules then apply)

⚠️ Penalties & fines

In theory: a reprimand or fine (rising with repeats, up to removal from the voter roll after four times); in practice no prosecutions since 2003. In Flanders no local sanction exists anymore — the duty itself is gone.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Will I actually be fined for staying home?

On paper it's possible (reprimand or fine), but prosecutors stopped pursuing cases in 2003 — expect no prosecution in practice, though the legal duty remains.

Must I still vote in Flemish municipal elections?

No — since October 2024 the turnout duty is abolished there; for federal, Flemish and European elections it still applies.

Is a blank vote an option?

Yes — the duty is showing up, not picking a party; blanks don't count towards seats but fully satisfy your obligation.

I'm abroad on election day. Now what?

Grant a proxy to another voter (form + proof) or send your certificate to the justice of the peace — then you're covered.

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