[danielf]

Originally Posted by Matt D

I think that's rather unfair, myself. If you live here, work here, pay taxes here, etc. etc. etc., then why shouldn't you be allowed to vote in the General Election? The outcome does affect you, even though you're not a British Citizen.

On the flip side of that, I think it's a bit strange that (AFAIK) British Ex-Pats can still vote in UK General Elections... If they are not living here, not working here, not paying taxes here, etc. etc. etc., then why should they have a say in who runs the country?

Yes and No. I can get a British passport, and I don't have to give up my current citizenship under British law. It's just that Dutch law requires me to give up Dutch citizenship if I take on another nationality. So in effect it's Dutch law that prevents me from voting here (but I can still vote in General Election in Holland). Having said that, I would like to be able to vote in country where I've worked and paid my taxes for 10 years now. I guess it's just one of them thingamabobs.