Over 40 students from 15 different EU Member States published a first time voter handbook for the European Parliament elections that will take place on different dates across Europe between 6 and 9 June. It is the result of their work as fellows in the Vote4OurRuleofLaw project, designed by the Our Rule of Law Foundation. 

In previous European Parliament elections, only 4 in 10 first-time voters went out and voted. This is due to the fact that young voters find it difficult to assess how what they care about is dealt with at European Union level, and how the European Parliament plays a role on the issue of concern. Moreover, many first-time voters have a hard time finding out what different political partners and candidates promise to do, and have done in the past.

The publication covers 11 different Member States. Each chapter explains what issues are most important to young voters in a specific Member State - there are big differences! The chapters then go on to show how the European Union is competent to act in that field, and what are the plans of the European political parties of the national candidates you can vote for on the matter, and how they have dealt with the topic over the last five years. Each chapter also contains questions you can ask candidates running for office.

The Vote4OurRuleofLaw Fellows are telling first-time voters: “I am voting, are you?”. This book makes it possible for first-time voters across the EU to use their vote and make an informed choice - and to make a difference in their own lives, and that of others.

Enjoy and feel free to spread around!