Over 18,000 EU nationals to vote in MEP elections

18,084 of the total 371,632 people registered to vote in the European Elections in Malta are non-Maltese EU nationals.

The registration process for voters in Malta is automatic for holders of a Maltese citizenship. However, those who have not yet obtained citizenship and want to vote in Malta's European elections next May have to register on the EU electoral register established under Malta’s electoral laws.

The deadline for registrations is 31 March 2019. The Electoral Commission will accept registrations received via post up until 1 April if these were sent before the deadline.

For the first time in Malta, eligible first-time voters will also include those who turn 16 by at least 24 May 2019, just a day before the elections.

The registration process requires willing voters to have a valid identification document, a residence card issued by Identity Malta for EU nationals. They can choose whether to be registered as voters in the Local Councils Electoral Register or the European Union Electoral Register, or both.

A statement released by the Electoral Commision said that police are now fully informed of the process and their duty to transmit voter registration forms to the commission. Applications can be submitted to Police stations and Local Councils.

Joseph Church, Head of the Electoral Commission, said that EU nationals have the option to choose whether to vote in Malta  - for candidates standing for election in Malta -  or in their home member state.

"The electoral authorities of other EU member state will be informed of EU nationals opting to vote in Malta, to avoid illegal double-voting. Under EU and national electoral law, each voter may only vote once in one member state, including holders of dual nationality," he said, adding that polls were showing a very positive trend in people's intention to vote, auguring a strong turnout.