Suffrage for foreigners, which is also covered in “Japan’s elections as seen by Vietnamese residents: Their expectations for the House of Representatives election of those who do not have the right to vote” (2024/10/23 Nagoya TV), is a topic of discussion in many developed countries. As immigration and globalization progress, the question of how much foreigners should be allowed to participate in politics is deeply connected to the nature of democracy and the integrity of society. Below, we will summarize and explain the current state of voting rights for foreigners in developed countries, including the situation by country and points of discussion.
1.Background of foreign suffrage
The issue of foreign suffrage arises from the fact that immigration has increased with globalization, and the population of foreigners in developed countries is increasing. While many foreigners continue to live in the country for long periods of time due to work or family commitments, they often do not have the right to vote or have a political say, creating the problem of not being able to express their intentions regarding politics that are directly connected to their lives. In particular, even though people fulfill the same duties as citizens (such as paying taxes), it can be seen as unfair if their opinions are not reflected, and the debate on granting them the right to vote is accelerating.
2.Current status of foreign suffrage by country
2.1 USA
In the United States, foreigners are generally not allowed to vote. However, permanent residents can obtain the right to vote by acquiring citizenship. In order to obtain citizenship, many conditions must be met, and in many cases it takes more than 10 years to obtain citizenship. In the United States, there is sometimes debate at the local government level about whether to allow foreigners to vote, but the country as a whole maintains a cautious stance.
2.2 Canada
Although Canada generally does not allow foreigners the right to vote, its tolerant immigration policy allows many foreigners to obtain citizenship and the right to vote. The process for foreigners to become citizens is relatively smooth, and the granting of voting rights after obtaining citizenship is promoted as part of efforts to integrate immigrants. Some local governments are moving to allow foreigners the right to vote on a limited basis.
2.3 UK
In the United Kingdom, citizens of the Commonwealth countries and Ireland are granted the right to vote in local and national elections if they reside there. On the other hand, other foreigners are not granted the right to vote. Britain’s suffrage system reflects its historical background and policy that emphasizes relations with its former colonies.
2.4. Germany
Germany has a relatively strict stance regarding the right to vote for foreigners, and foreigners other than those from EU member states are generally not allowed to vote. However, EU citizens are only given the right to vote in local elections. In Germany, there are discussions about expanding foreign suffrage, and there is an opinion that long-term foreign residents should be given the right to vote in local elections, but this has not happened at this time. .
2.5. France
In France, EU citizens are granted the right to vote in local elections, but other foreigners are generally not granted the right to vote. In France, there is a strong sense of “government by the people”, and a strict stance is taken against foreigners’ voting rights. However, there is a strong opinion that foreigners who have lived in France for a long time should be granted the right to vote, and future debate is attracting attention.
2.6. Japan
In Japan, foreigners are not allowed to vote at all, and all voting rights, including local elections, are limited to Japanese citizens. In this regard, Japan has taken a stricter stance than other developed countries. The introduction of foreign suffrage at the local government level has been considered in some areas, but this has not yet come to fruition. Additionally, as the number of foreigners with permanent resident status is increasing in Japan, this may continue to be a focus of discussion.
3.Points of discussion regarding foreign suffrage
3.1. Relationship between “tax payment and suffrage”
In many developed countries, foreigners are also required to pay taxes, and the relationship between tax payments and voting rights is being debated. While some argue that since foreigners contribute to society, they should have the right to reflect their political will, there is also a strong opinion that suffrage should be limited to “nationals of that country”. A compromise proposal has also been proposed that, while recognizing the rights of foreigners as taxpayers, political decision-making power should be limited to citizens.
3.2. “Integration” of foreigners and social stability
Allowing foreigners the right to vote is considered a factor that promotes the social integration of foreigners. In particular, allowing foreigners who have lived in a country for a long time and are deeply rooted in society to participate in politics strengthens the sense of social cohesion and motivates foreigners to become more actively involved in the local community. On the other hand, there are concerns that the participation of many foreigners in politics will cause social divisions. Some believe that the involvement of people from different backgrounds in decision-making is a source of social instability.
3.3. International human rights perspective
Foreigner suffrage is also being discussed from the perspective of international human rights treaties and immigrant rights. In particular, human rights institutions such as the United Nations recommend granting certain political participation rights to long-term residents. On the other hand, the sovereignty of each country and its consistency with domestic laws are sometimes called into question, and there is a need for reconciliation between human rights and national sovereignty.
3.4. Distinction between local and national elections
Many countries tend to differentiate between local and national elections when it comes to granting foreigners the right to vote. The idea is that local elections should reflect the opinions of local residents, as they are closely related to the lives of foreigners. On the other hand, the general view is that foreigners should be cautious in getting involved in national elections, as they involve the very foundations of the country.
4.Future outlook regarding foreign suffrage
As immigration continues to increase, discussions about foreign political participation are likely to continue in developed countries. In particular, as the number of foreigners contributing economically increases, calls for the granting of suffrage rights will continue to grow. Additionally, from the perspective of respecting social diversity, there is a possibility that more countries will allow foreigners to vote in local elections. However, there are many people who have concerns about expanding the right to vote for foreigners, so it is expected that discussions in each country will proceed with caution.
Foreigner suffrage is also an issue that reflects each country’s immigration policy and the maturity of its society. Opinions are divided even in developed countries, and it is difficult for any country to realize this immediately. However, as society continues to diversify, the importance of foreigners’ political participation is increasing, and there is no doubt that this will continue to be a topic of attention in each country.