18,084 EU nationals are registered to vote in Malta for May’s upcoming European Parliament elections.

The total number of voters stands at 371,632, with 16-year olds now eligible to vote in the elections for the first time ever.

First-time voters must turn 16 by latest 24 May 2019, a day before the elections take place.

Under EU law, all expats from member states have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in local and European elections held in their country of residence.

EU citizens can check whether they are eligible voters through the electoral register and apply by sending a form to the commission’s offices in either Valletta or Victoria, Gozo. Applications can also be submitted to Police stations and Local Councils.

The deadline for registration forms is 31 March 2019

People registering must have a valid identification document and a residence card issued by Identity Malta for EU nationals.

Applicants can choose whether to be registered as voters in the Local Council elections, the MEP elections, or both.

PD MEP Candidate Camilla Applegren had flagged the issue as early as January, while Maltese PN MEP candidate Peter Agius launched a multi-language appeal to get foreign voters aware of their rights for the upcoming elections.

In a statement, Joseph Church, Head of the Electoral Commission, said that 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 explained.

READ NEXT: WATCH: PN MEP Criticises Malta’s Electoral Commission As He Raises Awareness Of Foreign Voters’ Rights In Elections

Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.