Get out and vote, foreigner

Poland's election law states that citizens of European Union countries have the right to participate in Poland's upcoming local elections. To be eligible to vote, EU citizens should make sure that they are registered.

Those who have not yet registered should visit the nearest Department of Population Records office in order to fill in the necessary application form. "To be allowed to participate in the local elections, EU passport holders should register themselves within 30 days of the date on which local elections were announced," said Miłosz Wilkanowicz, an expert from the National Electoral Office. "In the case of the upcoming elections, the deadline will pass on October 13."

Foreigners can also elect gmina representatives, mayors and city presidents. However, they are not entitled to vote for voivodship or county (powiat) council candidates.

Once an EU citizen is registered to vote in Poland, a record of the registration will be sent to the person's country of origin. This will mean that he or she cannot vote in European Parliamentary elections in their home country. "During the last EU elections 180 EU citizens voted in Poland," added Wilkanowicz.

Polish law also allows EU citizens to become candidates for city or gmina councils. They are not, however, able to hold the top position - that of marshal.

Citizens of non-EU countries are not permitted to take part in the elections, regardless of their status in Poland.