What are the implications of foreigners having the right to vote?

Question

I'm refering to the situation in France, but I guess the implications of foreigners being allowed to vote are the same in most countries? What could this right/ the lack of this right lead to? Any opinions would be great, no matter how extreme! Good and bad both appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

By foreigners, just what do you mean? Do you mean those who are illegally in a country; or do you mean those who are legally in the country but not yet citizens?

IMHO if a person is legally in the country and meets the same criteria and I have to meet, he/she should be able to vote.

Answer 2

I'm not sure what the law is in France but if it's similar to the UK (full voting rights for citizens of some former colonies and the minimum rights for EU citizens) then I don't imagine there to be significant consequences.

EU citizens of other countries are only able to vote in local/regional elections and European Parliament elections, not General Elections so they can't effect the government of the State. I have no problem with a French/German/Danish citizen who lives in Edinburgh voting for a city councillor, a Member of the Scottish Parliament and a Member of the European Parliament. They shouldn't be able to vote in UK general Elections though because that is the highest level of government and determines issues like war, the constitution and citizenship itself.

The idea of only allowing British Citizens to vote is absurd though. I know there are a small number of British people who are not citizens but instead have status as British Subjects or British Overseas Nationals and of course they should keep their full voting rights. What actually is a 'foreigner' is complicated in britain too, for historical reasons the UK treats citizens of the Republic of Ireland who live here as full British Citizens, and I could be wrong but I think also allows full voting rights to citizens of Commonwealth Realms (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica) who have 'permanent leave to remain in the uk'.

Answer 3

Everybody votes for themselves. Their vote determines their benefit. So is it not right to sat that all foreigners will vote a party that lets them all in and lets them look after their families at home, all on the taxpayer? It's not going to happen, IT HAS. Now I know why Blair had a SECOND term, never mind a third!!!

Answer 4

As long as they are a legal citizen of that country, meeting the requirements to be able to vote, then I do not see anything wrong with it. They (like every other registered voter) are permitted to express their opinion in the form of a vote, whether it is for a specific candidate or on a referendum.

Answer 5

You should only be able to vote if you are citizen of that country where you want to vote. This shouldn't change, not even with the creation of the European Union. I feel that there should be some identity maintained within member countries because that's what makes us different and nice and interesting.

Answer 6

In the U.S., since non citizens cannot legally vote, it means they pay taxes without representation in Congress. At least in situation where they aren't being paid totally under the table by their employers.

Answer 7

No foreigner should have the right to vote. You want to vote become a british national or go home.

Answer 8

The implication is letting outsiders have a say in government. This is not a good idea.

Answer 9

If ther person is not a legal citizen of the country they do not have the right to decide what goes on in that country.

Answer 10

Only UK citizens can vote in the UK, why would it be any other way? By the way, do you know if UK prisoners are allowed to vote?