This year is marked by the local and regional elections on November 18. Important for Denmark and important for us because we can vote and we’re encouraged to do so. EU citizens have voting rights from day one. Non-EU citizens get them after just four years of living here (even without permanent residency). It’s one of the most inclusive voting systems in Europe.
But while voting is seen as a civic duty in Denmark, internationals are falling behind. Barely one in four of us shows up to vote. The two largest communities (Polish and Romanian) have set a record we shouldn’t be proud of: just one in ten voted in the last election. That’s not just low turnout; that’s actively dragging down the overall voting percentage. Not the best look.
And when it comes to running for office (which, by the way, we also have a right to do), the situation is even bleaker. Out of 98 municipalities, each with 300+ candidates, you can count the number of international candidates on one hand. We say we want to be seen and heard, but we rarely step forward to do the work.
So this year, Last Week in Denmark is doing something about it. We’re launching a special focus on encouraging internationals to vote and to run for office. If you’re an international candidate, no matter your party, reach out to us. We’ll feature you in the newsletter, free of charge. We need more internationals at the decision-making tables around this country. Full stop.
Still not sure why you should vote? Here’s why it matters.
First, voting is power. The people who win local elections decide on things that affect your life every single day: childcare prices, bus routes, school services, integration policies, even the language support at Borgerservice. These aren’t abstract issues. They are your daily reality.
Second, visibility matters. When internationals don’t show up to vote, we send the message that we don’t care. Or worse, we don’t belong. But that’s not true. You live here. You contribute. You’re part of this society. Voting is how we remind everyone (ourselves included) that this is our home too.
Third, if we don’t vote, others decide for us. And let’s be honest: sometimes they get it wrong. We’ve all seen policies that clearly weren’t made with internationals in mind. That changes when we show up, speak up, and vote. Even better if we run. That’s how you go from being talked about to being part of the conversation.
And if voting represents power, then running for office is impact. Being on the ballot means you don’t just react to decisions; you help shape them. You become the person who asks why there’s no multilingual info at your kommune, why the welcome program ends after three weeks, or why internationals aren’t represented on local boards. You don’t need perfect Danish or any political résumé. You need lived experience, motivation, and the courage to raise your hand and say, “I belong here too, and I’m ready to lead.”
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
