The General Election… From Abroad

Julia Gaffney

Chambéry University, France

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]eing here whilst the French parties have been canvassing has allowed me to see that issues in Britain are also contentious topics abroad. The National Front has made massive gains, thrashing President Hollande’s party, and there’s clearly discontent with current leadership in France, just as in the UK. The time I’ve spent in my adopted country has helped to refocus my views, and I would consider myself surer of my political position now.

Nicholas Buxey

University of Genoa, Italy

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen you’re not in the UK, it’s easy to forget that it’s not as simple as registering to vote – you’ve got to send off a postal or proxy vote form as well. The extra layer of bureaucracy involved in voting abroad might put you off. The only potential problem with either method is whether you trust your proxy to vote correctly on your behalf. If not, you could be looking at a wasted vote come election day. And after all, it could be your vote that makes the difference.

Una Shah

University of Connecticut, USA

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the US, ‘world news’ is synonymous with ‘American news’, so it’s easy to forget the Election is even happening. Unsurprisingly , it isn’t a major topic of discussion amongst my friends who aren’t from the UK. However, despite being abroad I have never considered not voting – all it takes is one form to apply, and it’s easy enough to keep up with everything on the internet. Even if you’re on the other side of the planet, you should be involved with every election.

Skye Redman

University of Genoa, Italy

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]iven how much political coverage is now available online, it’s not difficult for those of us living abroad in the run-up to the election to stay up to date on what’s going on. What we are missing, however, is the political atmosphere back home as the UK approaches one of the most uncertain General Elections we have had in years. Without this it can be easier to feel removed from it all, but if you want to stay informed, everything is just a few clicks away.