European Elections 2024: How and When to Vote, Current MEPs, and Lead Candidates
The European Elections in 2024 are set to take place between June 6th and June 9th, with different EU member states having varying election customs that may result in the elections being carried out over the span of several days. In Germany, where elections are traditionally held on Sundays, polling stations will open at 8 am and close at 6 pm on June 9th, ensuring that all eligible voters who are in line by closing time can cast their votes. The eligibility to vote in Germany extends to individuals residing in the country who are at least 16 years old on the day of the election and citizens of an EU member state. Additionally, individuals from other EU countries must have been residing in Germany for a minimum of three months to be eligible to vote. It is important to note that voting in multiple EU states is prohibited by the European Elections Act. For those living outside Germany, the ability to vote varies by country but generally requires registered residence. The voting process in the European Elections involves each country sending a specific number of representatives to the European Parliament, with seats allocated based on national election results. The European Parliament plays a crucial role in the legislative processes of the EU, including deciding on the union's budget and overseeing the work of other EU institutions. As of now, the European Parliament comprises 705 MEPs, with various political groupings represented, such as the Christian Democratic EPP group, Social Democrats, liberals, Greens, conservatives, and far-right factions. In the current European Parliament, there are 96 German MEPs coming from parties like CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP, AfD, and the Left, along with representatives from smaller parties like the Free Voters and Volt. For the upcoming European Elections in 2024, a total of 35 parties and political associations are running, including new entrants like the Party for the Rejuvenation of Mainstream Medicine and the Climate List Germany. To be eligible for election as a Member of the European Parliament, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a German or EU citizen, and a permanent resident in Germany. The lead candidates for the major German parties in the 2024 European Elections include Ursula von der Leyen for CDU, Manfred Weber for CSU, Katarina Barley for SPD, Terry Reintke for Greens, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann for FDP, Maximilian Krah for AfD, and Martin Schirdewan and Carola Rackete for the Left. As the elections draw near, the current poll results provide insights into the potential outcomes, shaping the future of the European Parliament.
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