«I can’t vote because I don’t have the Green Pass». This is in summary the theory that is spread by No Vax circles on social media, making it clear that without the green certification one cannot express one’s right to vote in the European elections which will be held on 8 and 9 June in Italy, coinciding with the other member countries of the Union. However, you do not need a Green Pass to vote in the European elections. The message is spread in order to encourage abstention.
For those in a hurry:
- It is claimed that the Green Pass is necessary to vote in the European elections.
- The Green Pass is no longer mandatory in public buildings from 1 May 2022.
- The only documents needed are an identification document and the voter card.
Analyses
Let’s see a screenshot of one of the posts being verified (others here, here, here):
I’m sorry, but on June 9th I won’t be able to show up at the polls. I don’t have the Green Pass
Here’s another example:
I wanted to say to this dunghill called Europe and to all the politicians who are part of it, especially our Italian representatives, I’m sorry but on June 9th I won’t be able to vote because I’m not vaccinated and I don’t have a green pass.
The invitation to abstain
In some cases, the description contains messages that invite abstentionism, such as the following:
WE MUST cause the greatest ABSTENTION in Italian history. In Brussels they will have to understand that “this” Europe IS NOT OUR STUFF. In fact, we really DON’T care! And consequently we will NOT go to vote. Because we DON’T want to vote. We CANNOT, and we must NOT “legitimize” this bunch of CORRUPT and INCAPACITY people, who will certainly BETRAY the Popular Mandate. And I’m talking about EVERYONE…!! (Right – Left – Center…) By now we have understood that, when the time has come to betray Italian interest, they are all U.GUA.LI…!! (Unfortunately) Surely someone will tell me that there is some honest person one could choose. And I agree! However, 3 or 4 “honest” people will NEVER change that “absurd and PE.RI.CO.LO.SO BARACCONE” called the European Union. BETTER a “nice delegitimization” en bloc. EXEMPT this entire blessed European parliament, totally RIDICULOUS, EXPENSIVE, USELESS and above all anti-Italian! PS: At the European Championships, #iononvotopiu
Another image circulating is the following:
Who can vote in the European elections
To vote in the European elections, neither a green pass nor a test demonstrating negativity for Covid-19 is required. In fact, the need to show the green certification at the entrance to public places officially expired on May 1, 2022.
The Green Pass request is not even mentioned on the web page dedicated to explaining how elections are carried out in Italy. Specifically, in the item that lists who can vote, the list indicates those who:
- They have turned 18;
- They are Italian or EU citizens with legal residence in Italy or Italian citizens residing abroad;
- They are registered as voters by the established deadline (for EU citizens voting in Italy).
What documents are needed to vote in the European elections
The documents needed to vote are as follows:
- Valid identification document;
- Electoral card.
Conclusions
It is claimed that the Green Pass is necessary to vote in the European elections. The Green Pass is no longer mandatory in public buildings from 1 May 2022. Therefore, you do not need the Green Pass to vote in the European elections. The only documents needed are an identification document and the voter card.
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