Wählen ohne Staatsbürgerschaft? Das Ausländerwahlrecht in der demokratietheoretischen Diskussion

Abstract

In the face of growing migration, the idea that voting rights should be independent of formal citizenship has become more and more attractive. However, critics object that the dissociation of political rights from formal membership in the polity undermines the foundations of democracy. This article examines the theoretical assumptions underpinning both views. While supporters of alien suffrage rely on liberal conceptions of equality and representation, critics draw on republican understandings of politics. The article concludes by sketching a third perspective, described as conflictive republicanism, which tries to reconcile the republican idea that political rights should not unnecessarily be dissociated from political membership with the liberal concern for heterogeneous interests and broad inclusion.