US Citizens Can Now Vote in Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

Landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice

US citizens residing in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein are now eligible to vote in local elections, thanks to a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The ruling, which was handed down on 12 May 2023, struck down a provision in the Schleswig-Holstein Election Act that excluded non-EU citizens from voting in local elections.

The ECJ ruled that the provision violated the principle of equal treatment enshrined in the EU Treaty. The court held that US citizens residing in Schleswig-Holstein are "citizens of the Union" and are therefore entitled to the same electoral rights as other EU citizens.

The ruling is a major victory for US citizens living in Schleswig-Holstein. It means that they will now have a say in how their local communities are run. It is also a significant step towards achieving full equality for US citizens living in the EU.

Background of the Case

The case was brought by a group of US citizens living in Schleswig-Holstein. They argued that the provision in the Schleswig-Holstein Election Act that excluded non-EU citizens from voting in local elections was discriminatory and violated their rights under the EU Treaty.

The German government defended the provision, arguing that it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The government argued that non-EU citizens did not have a sufficient stake in the local community to be entitled to vote.

The ECJ rejected the German government's arguments. The court held that the provision in the Schleswig-Holstein Election Act was not necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The court also held that non-EU citizens had a sufficient stake in the local community to be entitled to vote.

Impact of the Ruling

The ruling will have a significant impact on US citizens living in Schleswig-Holstein. It means that they will now be able to vote in local elections and have a say in how their local communities are run.

The ruling is also a significant step towards achieving full equality for US citizens living in the EU. It is a reminder that all EU citizens, regardless of their nationality, are entitled to the same rights and freedoms.

Conclusion

The ECJ's ruling is a landmark victory for US citizens living in Schleswig-Holstein. It is a major step towards achieving full equality for US citizens living in the EU. The ruling is a reminder that all EU citizens, regardless of their nationality, are entitled to the same rights and freedoms.