To vote, you must register at the town hall of your residence before December 31, 2008. All French citizens aged 18 before 03/01/09, as well as natives of other EU countries residing in the Alpes-Maritimes, are concerned. The latter must choose their voting location between their country and their city of residence in the department, as they can only cast a ballot in one country.
To register on the electoral lists, you simply need to go to the town hall of your residence with a valid ID and a recent proof of residence: an EDF bill, TELECOM, bank account statement, tax document, and other papers justifying your residence.
Why are we voting on June 7?
(And not why are we voting? Huge difference…)
We will vote to elect the European Parliament. It is worth remembering that out of all the bodies (since we are talking about an administrative body chosen by an electoral body) of the European Union, the European Parliament is the only one to be elected, the only one mandated by active citizens.
These active citizens elect deputies and give them legislative and budgetary powers.
The European Parliament exercises its functions, along with the Council of Ministers, by voting on the European budget and monitoring its execution.
The Parliament has legislative functions and decides, equally with the Council of Ministers, the adoption of a law in the fields of education, environment, research, health, consumer protection, the internal market, agricultural policy, etc.
The European Ombudsman is a deputy nominated and elected by the Parliament. He manages conflicts between citizens and administrations.
The European Parliament can appoint inquiry committees, as was the case for the “mad cow crisis,” to preserve the health or interests of populations.
The European Central Bank, even if it is independent in its technical choices, must report annually to the Parliament. The Parliament also appoints its President, Vice President, and members of the ECB’s executive board.
The European Parliament must approve the appointment of the President of the European Commission and the Commissioners. It can also overturn the Commission if the deputies of the Parliament, by a majority vote, pass a motion of censure.
For those who want to learn more about this Parliament, which represents a real democratic balance in the governance of the European Union: www.europarlo.europa.eu
