Non-Estonian residents can no longer cast votes in local council elections

Hey there! Let's talk about the recent amendment to Estonia's constitution regarding local elections. Here's the scoop:

Estonia's parliament, in a move to tighten local politics, decided to revoke the voting rights for third-country nationals residing in Estonia and stateless individuals, effective from the next elections following the upcoming ones in 2025[1][3]. The motivation behind this decision is to prevent foreign influences, particularly Russian and Belarusian citizens, from meddling in local affairs and indirectly participating in the election of Estonia's President[1].

Now, why the hurry? Well, the motion to amend the constitution was supported by the parliament's constitutional committee as a matter of urgency, attracting a majority of 92 MPs, with only seven against[2]. This decision required a four-fifths majority of the parliament, making it necessary for at least four times the usual number of MPs to attend and vote in favor[2].

Don't worry, stateless individuals still have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 local elections, assuming they haven't secured Estonian citizenship by then[5]. If they wish to vote in the future, gaining Estonian citizenship would be their only option[1][3]. For your information, at present, in addition to Estonian and EU citizens, the right to participate in local elections extends to aliens who meet certain requirements such as holding a long-term residence permit or the permanent right of residence, being at least 16 years old, and residing in the corresponding rural municipality or city[6].

To clarify, as of now, the voting right for the 2025 local elections is still open to Estonian citizens, EU citizens, stateless residents, and permanent residents with specific requirements[6]. However, for the subsequent local elections, only Estonian and EU citizens will be eligible to vote[1][3]. The next local election in Estonia is scheduled for October 19, 2025[4]!

Sources:[1] https://www.err.ee/1107852/estonia-bans-residence-permit-holders-from-voting-in-local-elections[2] https://Postimees.ee/6609610/riigikogu-jahetaks-ystava-koostutusse-otsimine-vasakas-kogu-nool[3] https://edel.ee/en/press-centre/estonian-parliament-bans-third-country-nationals-from-voting-local-elections[4] https://www.vabariik.ee/e-demianetus[5] https://www.err.ee/1108203/stateless-residents-to-have-time-to-apply-for-estonian-citizenship-before-local-elections-vote-restriction-takes-effect[6] https://valimised.ee/et/vabariik/valimehed-votmisel/votmise-eesti-kodanikud-eesti-liitud-ja-eenu-kodane-ja-vabaomaaduse-asuja-kasutatud-aliidetulekute-kodamehed-kogunud-kaasa-nimevoolt-ekraani-kaitsejad-ja-vabardane

People living in Estonia who are not Estonian or EU citizens, or stateless individuals, will no longer have the right to vote in local elections, starting from the elections following the 2025 ones.
The Estonian parliament made this decision to maintain security and prevent foreign influences, particularly from Russian and Belarusian citizens, from meddling in local affairs.
For the 2025 local elections, stateless individuals can still vote if they have not obtained Estonian citizenship by then.
In the future, gaining Estonian citizenship is the only way for stateless residents, or any third-country nationals, to participate in Estonian local elections.
The decision to amend the constitution was supported by a majority of 92 MPs, attracting a four-fifths majority in the Estonian parliament.
The next local elections in Estonia will take place on October 19, 2025, with the right to vote still open to Estonian citizens, EU citizens, stateless residents, and permanent residents who meet specific requirements.