UK Election Inspires First-Time Immigrant Voters
Anticipation for Change
The buzz is that the opposition Labour Party is set to win big, possibly ending Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party's 14-year reign. This has immigrant voters hopeful for a fresh start.
Who Can Vote?
Refugees and immigrants from Commonwealth countries—places like Nigeria, India, and Malaysia—can vote in British elections. It's a unique opportunity many are eager to seize.
A New Opportunity for One Voter
One 27-year-old who moved to Britain last February is thrilled to cast his vote, especially since he missed the elections back in India. "In my country, they don't allow people from other countries to vote," he shared. "I came here on a student visa, but they are giving us an opportunity, like British citizens." Now, he works part-time as a university ambassador in Manchester.
Mixed Feelings Among Immigrants
A 33-year-old Malaysian student from Salford, near Manchester, feels differently. She doesn’t see much difference between the main parties but is eager to support one that's more welcoming to immigrants.
The Immigration Debate
Immigration is a hot topic in this election. Sunak’s Conservatives promise to cut net migration, a stance many Brits support due to concerns about the strain on the NHS, housing, and education. Sunak has even made headlines with his policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Support for Labour
A 31-year-old support worker from Manchester, who arrived in Britain in 2022, is excited to vote for Labour. She hopes the new government will make it easier for people like her to move to Britain.
Still Undecided
Others, like a 26-year-old from Nigeria who moved last September, are still on the fence. "None of the parties have done much in the areas that I'm most interested in. But at the moment, I would probably go for the Conservatives... I'm not sure yet," she said.
As the election day nears, these first-time voters are ready to make their voices heard, hoping to shape the future of their new home.
