My Vote

My former Electoral Registration Officer sent me my postal voting forms a week or so ago, and as I have not lived in the constituancy for some twelve years, I decided to scroll through the candidates web sites to find out something about them to help me decide who to vote for.  I ignored the usual fringe parties but was impressed by the Liberal Democrat candidate's website.  It contained lots of information about what he has done as the sitting M.P., some of his background, lists of questions asked in the house and his particular subject interests.  More importantly it gave a complete listing of his parliamentary expenses, including staff that he employs, his accomodation in London and explanations as to any over or reduced spending in comparison to previous periods.

I have emailed the candidate in question to express my appreciation of his openness. I wonder if he will  reply.  (I am happy to report that he did respondand very positively.)  [ I can also report that he was re-elected.]

The really interesting matter, I think, occurs in the opening sentence of this piece.  The fact that I have not lived in that constuency for twelve years yet I have the ability to help decide who will represent the present inhabitants in Parliament from 7th May this year. 

It does strike me as strange that I have this power, yet am resident of another country where my only voting rights are towards elections concerning the mayor and local council and the European Parliament, but I cannot influence the election of the politicians who govern my everyday life in my adopted country.

Can somebody explain this situation to me?   I have, by the way, completed and returned my U.K. postal vote.