A number of Maltese citizens living in the UK will also be casting their vote, taking advantage of a contentious law granting voting rights to all residents coming from Commonwealth countries.
Cladonia Scerri is 28 and lives in London, where she works for a design agency. This will be her second time voting in a general election in the UK but she remains undecided between the two main parties.
“I feel it’s my duty to vote. It’s my way of having my voice heard in the country I live in, especially in this election since some of the major policies are about the UK’s EU membership.
“I still haven’t made my mind up on my final vote. I agree with Labour on the EU and transport policies and I agree with the Conservatives on immigration and healthcare policies.
“The difference I’ve seen is that the bickering and personal ‘attacks’ are not what makes an electoral campaign. Also, since the UK’s electoral campaigns start six weeks before the election and voting day is during the week, it just takes away the unnecessary fussiness I’m used to in Malta.
I’m having my voice heard in country I live in
“Having an online campaign also made it accessible to the younger voters who do not necessarily watch TV.
“I don’t think it’s unfair for Commonwealth citizens to vote because most non-British citizens are working and paying taxes, ultimately contributing to the British economy.”
Nick Mamo is a 25-year-old doctor who has lived in Liverpool for the past two years. He says he will be voting for the Green Party today.
“I’m voting as I feel the British government has a significant influence on world politics. I also feel a sense of responsibility towards all the people the current government is failing to support.
“I’m voting for the Greens as they’re the only ones who are talking about the NHS and the environment in the right way, not to mention their plans to remove tuition fees. I’m a doctor working in the NHS and feel the current direction is inefficient and failing to support the people who need it most.
“The major difference here is the number of parties. Though it is often considered a two-party system, in this election and the last other parties are having a particularly big role.
Should I really have the right to vote in Britain?
“But what strikes me more is the similarities and the class divide.
“I’m in an odd position. I have a British passport but I’ve only been living in the UK for two years. Should I really have the right to vote?
“Well, with such voter apathy, maybe they should get as much interest as they can. Also, British politics still has a direct influence on many Commonwealth countries.”
Alex Borg is 33 and lives in Birmingham, where he works as a manager with the NHS. He has lived in the UK for the past 16 years and will be voting Labour after becoming disenchanted with the Liberal Democrats.
“I think the right to vote in a general election should be based on residency rather than citizenship. Whoever is governing in the UK is likely to impact me significantly more than the government in Malta.
“In an ideal world, I would vote for the Green Party. Their policies and values are mostly aligned to mine. That said, I also recognise that with this electoral system a vote for the Green Party is not likely to bring about the change I think we need.
People in UK are more likely to use votes in protest
“I voted for the Lib Dems in the last election and feel very let down. I am a strong supporter of the welfare system and believe in public services. I will therefore likely vote for the Labour Party.
“I think the significant difference is how much more partisan politics in Malta is. It is my feeling that people seem to vote for the same party all their lives and wouldn’t consider switching depending on policies. I think in the UK people are more likely to use their vote in protest.”