Voting by proxy

For the federal, regional and European elections in Belgium voting is mandatory. If you cannot go to the polls on election day, you can vote by proxy, i.e. you authorise someone to vote in your stead. You must, however, be able to provide evidence or certificates justifying your absence. If you do not vote yourself and you do not vote by proxy, the police court will determine the fine to be imposed upon you if you are prosecuted.

For the local and provincial elections in Flanders voting is no longer mandatory. If you cannot go to the polls on election day, you can vote by proxy, but it’s not mandatory.