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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For not voting in the election

53 replies

Copenhagener · 27/06/2024 07:06

Fairly straightforward issue, but getting two very different answers so I thought I’d throw it to Mumsnet.

I am a British citizen but I’ve lived in another country for 5 years and I’m now getting permanent residency here. My partner is my new country’s nationality and my child will be too (still baking!). I don’t intend to move back to the U.K. ever and have no real connections left there.

Is it unreasonable for me to not vote in the upcoming U.K. general election?

My opinion is that I shouldn’t be voting for issues that don’t impact me and my life; and when I won’t move back. AIBU?

Other people have said it’s my civic duty to vote if I still hold British citizenship, regardless of where I live. Especially in an important election.

What does Mumsnet think? Would be great to hear from other emigrants too.

OP posts:
Sarah2458 · 27/06/2024 07:12

Do you still have parents here in UK? Government policy / NHS / social care will affect the rest of their Iives - and by default yours.

I would want to vote in this election is particular, to allow the UK a chance to start a recovery from the last 14 years. Maybe not so much when less was at stake politically / socially, and when you've been away for longer and created more of a life elsewhere.

LlynTegid · 27/06/2024 07:09

Please vote.

The smaller the majority the winning candidate has, the more chances they will pay to local issues. Assuming you don't hate the place in the UK you are leaving, do that as a kindness to your former town/city/village you lived in.

Or just vote to help us get the Tories out.

Alwaysthesun24 · 27/06/2024 07:09

Voting is still a choice, you can choose not to vote for a whole host of reasons.