Are you a newcomer living in Klaksvík municipal? If so, you have a unique opportunity to help shape the community you now call home by voting in the upcoming municipal elections on November 12th. Your voice matters, and your participation is a valuable part of making the Faroese community stronger and more inclusive for everyone.

 

Why Should You Vote?

Municipal elections decide the people who will be responsible for local issues that directly affect your daily life—schools, roads, waste management, and community services. These decisions influence everything from the quality of education for children to the maintenance of the places we gather, play, and work. By voting, you get to influence these decisions and contribute to the well-being and development of your community.

 

Who Can Vote?

If you have been living in the Faroe Islands for at least three years and are registered in the national register of your municipality at least two weeks before the election day, you have the right to vote in the municipal elections, even if you’re not a Faroese or Danish citizen. This is a fantastic way to actively participate in shaping your local environment and ensuring that your needs and those of other newcomers are heard.

 

How to Vote

To vote, you need to be registered at your municipality’s local office. If you're not sure about your registration status, it's a good idea to contact the local authorities to confirm that everything is in order. You will receive a voting card with information about where and when to vote on election day.

 

Get Informed

It’s important to get to know the candidates and their priorities before casting your vote. Municipal candidates usually address key issues that matter to local residents, such as housing, education, and health services. On the upcoming 3th, 5th and 11th of november, you will be able to visit Varpið, where most candidates will be present and eager to inform you about theire political aspirations. I assume that most candidates will be able and willing to communicate in english. As we approach the election, many political articles will be posted both in the public media and on Facebook. ChatGPT is easy to use and works quite well for translating to your native language. All you need to do is copy/paste and ask for a translation, and I encourage to do this.

 

A Personal Introduction

My name is Sylvia Thomsen, and I am running as a candidate in the upcoming municipal election for the first time. I am 45 years old and grew up in Klaksvík, where I currently live in Ánir. I graduated as a nurse in 2009 and, and for the past five years, I have been working in the ward at Klaksvík Hospital.

I may not have any previous political experience, but I promise to be honest, dedicated, and approachable. My core value is that the needs of those most vulnerable should take precedence over loyalty to those in power.

 

What I Stand For

My main focus areas are public health and living conditions, including ensuring that newcomers have a fair opportunity to become well integrated into our community. It is important to me that everyone who moves here can feel at home and be an integral part of society. I believe that learning the language is key to successful integration, but I also understand that learning a new language takes time. Therefore, it is crucial that newcomers have easy access to the necessary information about how things work in our country and what rights they have. To achieve this, I believe the municipality should always make use of interpreters whenever possible to ensure everyone can fully understand and participate.

 

Your Voice Counts

As a resident of the Faroe Islands, your opinion matters, and voting is one of the best ways to make a difference. Municipal elections are an opportunity for you to support candidates who share your vision for a welcoming and prosperous community. It’s also a chance to show that newcomers are active and engaged members of society. Every vote matters in these local elections, and by taking part, you can help shape the policies that directly impact your life and the lives of your neighbors.

On November 12th, make sure to cast your vote and be a part of building the future of your community. The Faroe Islands is a diverse place, and your voice is an essential part of that diversity. Together, let’s help create communities that work for everyone—locals and newcomers alike.

 

 

Sylvia Thomsen 

Candidate for Sjálvstýri.