Should people vote in next month’s spring hunting referendum? Why?

If people are given a chance to express their views, it would be amiss not to exercise this right. However, if voters do not have a sound understanding of the subject at hand, analysed through the views of interested parties, they run the risk of not exercising the right to vote properly. Mark Edward Ellul, LL.B (Hons) 2nd year.

People should certainly go out to vote, whatever their opinion may be. It is also their duty that their vote be based on a clear, informed decision formulated after listening to both sides of the argument. Julia Farrugia, Graduate in BA English (Hons).

Yes. Voting is not only a right but a duty. Nowadays voting is taken for granted, so much so that some refrain from voting. This is not ideal. People should go out to vote, exercise this right and voice their opinion. Dionne Taryn Gatt, LL.B (Hons) 3rd year.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds will be able to vote for the first time in the local council elections. What do you think of this?

Lowering the voting age invites younger people to express interest in the area they live in. The counter-argument that they are too young is superficial, considering that people of all ages come out with non-sensical and illogical fallacies. The key is not age but proper lifelong education. Mark Edward Ellul

I have mixed views on this. While it is interesting to give youngsters the chance to vote, they should also be educated about the matters at hand. Otherwise they would not be properly exercising their right to vote. Julia Farrugia

Teenagers nowadays are more politically active and mature than in the past and are not afraid to express their views, so they should be given the chance to do so. But I think caution should be exercised and if this development is to be taken further, it should be nurtured through education. Dionne Taryn Gatt

Do you think the downward spiral in national voter turnout will change in next month’s election?

Due to the addition of the referendum to the local council election there may be a higher turnout, which however, may not be commendable unless voters properly analyse the views of the interested parties. Mark Edward Ellul

I hope there will be an above average voter turnout because apart from local council elections, people will also be voting in a one-off referendum on a bigger issue. Julia Farrugia

People are abstaining from voting not only because they are taking their voting rights for granted but also because the way electoral campaigns are carried out in Malta may lead to voter fatigue and kill enthusiasm. It is more of a battle than an opportunity to exercise a right. Dionne Taryn Gatt

Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation.