From Voter to Volunteer: Joining the European Parliament Polling Station Team

Every five years, we have European Parliament elections. Considering the background and origin of the European institutions, which were established to prevent further wars on the European continent, I believe it's our duty to vote.

Even though the European institutions can sometimes seem overly bureaucratic and appear to be accumulating more power than originally intended, it is still crucial to participate in the voting process.

We cannot function without them, and smaller countries like the Netherlands have greatly benefited from EU membership. The Netherlands, as one of the founding members of the EU's predecessor, the ECSC, has thrived within the Union.

Many years ago, I studied European Studies with the aim of becoming a European civil servant. However, the rigorous selection process and the prospect of relocating to Brussels or Strasbourg didn't appeal to me. Instead, I chose a career in international business, a decision I've never regretted.

As the time for another European Parliament election approaches, I wondered how I could contribute beyond just voting, especially since I'm not a member of any political party. I noticed a call from the local government for volunteers to support a local polling station and help count the votes after the station closes.

I decided to volunteer. After passing a theory test and receiving instructions, I learned where and when to report, joining a team of five other polling station members. We will start at 7 am and finish around 11 pm or even midnight, depending on easy or complicated counting. With breaks for each team member, of course.

This experience will be good preparation, as national elections, which typically have a higher turnout (around 75% compared to 50% for European Parliament elections), might be on the horizon again soon.