Whenever I see the turnout for European and local elections, my heart sinks. It peaked at 38.5% in 2004. Last time in 2009 it was 34.7%. I find myself unable to reconcile so many people perpetually complaining about the EU and the democratic deficit which exists in its institutions, with two-thirds of the population failing to register their political preference. Mixed in with that is a cultural difference. Having been born in Greece, four years into a crushing junta, I grew up to perceive democracy as precious and voting as a civic responsibility, rather than an optional perk.
There is another important factor, however. These are the only elections in which I am allowed to vote. As a non-British European, I get no say in the general election, along with the many millions of Europeans (including 2 million Britons) who chose to make a life for themselves somewhere other than the country of their birth. So, the European and local elections have come to mean a great deal to me.
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