“I can vote?!” This exclamation was accompanied by a look of surprise and confusion when I found out that I, a Canadian citizen, who has lived in Britain for less than a year, can vote in this General Election. 

But it’s not just me. Any Commonwealth citizen residing in the UK is eligible. Make no mistake: I was thrilled to discover my right, but it seems a little unfounded.

The Commonwealth includes over 50 countries, united by shared history and values, and almost one third of the global population. As its Head, Queen Elizabeth II is technically Canada’s Head of State. She elects a Governor General to carry out federal royal duties, but this is mainly a ceremonial position.

Beyond that, however, Canada and other Commonwealth countries are completely independent of the UK. As a former colony, the Canadian political system may strongly resemble that of Britain, but this is mostly historical influence.

I have always felt a sense of connection to the UK. But still, the government and domestic policies of this country have no effect on how the average Canadian citizen and resident lives. In fact, until last week, I didn’t even know that Ed Milliband was the leader of the Labour Party.

Conversely, there are people who will spend years living and working in the UK without having a voice. After four years working as a barrister in Manchester, a German friend of mine is not allowed to choose who to represent her in parliament. Yet governmental decisions have a direct impact on her and her son’s life.

The same is probably true for hundreds of other foreign workers, especially those from the EU, who can work in the UK relatively easily. I am not saying that everyone who lives here should be able to vote, but many non-Commonwealth residents are just as invested in British politics as those from the Commonwealth. I fail to see why my voting rights should differ from those of other foreign residents.

Despite my incredulity at the rules that make me eligible to vote, however, I plan to take full advantage of my rights. I have even visited Cambridge City Council twice to make sure I am on the register, and to find out where my polling station is. I spent several hours reading through party manifestos so I could make an informed decision.

The policies made by this government will have an impact on me because I plan on spending at least two more years here, dealing with the bureaucracy, getting medical care, paying tuition, trying to find employment, and travelling on all different types of transportation. I am invested in this government and I have taken the time to ensure that my vote reflects my personal beliefs.

I am also very much looking forward to participating in the democratic process, especially as, due to my non-residential status in Canada, this may be the only election I can take part in.

Maybe the Commonwealth vote is a way to make up for all those years of taxation without representation. Or an apology to the Native Americans who were given smallpox-infested blankets. Indeed, the Commonwealth has not always been a force for good. Maybe UK voting rights are some sort of recompense for that.

Whatever the reason, however, I do not want to lose my newly-discovered Commonwealth advantage: I want to be involved and vote. Even if it does seem a little odd that other foreign-nationals cannot do the same.

@LEJMorg