In twenty-four hours time, America will have a new president. Dual-citizenship holder Julia Leonetti explains why the EU referendum made her realise how important voting is.
This time two years ago, I had applied for dual citizenship with the UK through my mom who was born in Merseyside, England. I had never visited England, but knew it would be good for me to have it while I spent a semester abroad in Denmark. I travelled across Europe in Fall 2015 and zipped through the lines at the border of each country because of my EU citizenship. It made travel easy and more convenient than my friends. When I did finally get to visit, I realized what it meant to be a dual citizen. England is a beautiful country with a lot of amazing people. Being a dual citizen is a huge part of my identity. I am so proud of both of my nationalities, English and American.
It is a privilege to be a citizen of two countries. It has given me the opportunity to travel. My dual citizenship gives me a different outlook on politics because I am a citizen of two world powers. It gives me the ability to be politically aware in two different countries. Dual Citizenship gives me a bigger reason to care about foreign affairs. It gives me a voice I would have not otherwise had.
Because of my European nationality, I have a different outlook on politics than my friends and my American family members. I try my best to at least understand the political situations of the United States and Britain. British politics is not something my friends follow as closely as I do.
During the summer, I had been watching the news and following what I could about the EU referendum. The coverage in the United States was somewhat limited. Because at this point, I had only visited England for a couple of days, I did not feel morally right voting in the referendum because I live in the United States. I would only have voted for whatever my uncle told me to vote for and I did not feel right doing that.
Knowing the outcome and the decision against accepting refugees, and David Cameron stepping down, and Boris Johnson’s refusal to step in I knew there was something to worry about. I feel guilty and regret not voting in the referendum. I want to be more politically active in the UK because I feel it is my civic duty the same as it is here in the United States. I have not been back to Europe since the Brexit. I do not know how this has affected the everyday life. If it has affected everyday life at all.
I feel guilty and regret not voting in the referendum. I want to be more politically active in the UK because I feel it is my civic duty the same as it is here in the United States.
As a registered Democrat, I could not vote against Donald Trump, a Republican candidate in the primary election. I could only vote for either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. With our two part system, we vote for a candidate for our party in the primary and then president in the general election. The Democratic National Convention took place in my hometown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I got to attend the convention. It was the most uplifting political convention I had ever seen.
Michelle Obama at the DNC in July. Image by WikiCommons
Michelle Obama gave an inspiring speech telling the crowd, “When they go low, we go high” when referring to Donald Trump. I really hope he does not win because of his dislike of many groups of people.
My hope is that Hillary Clinton wins. Although it might be bad for a little bit, it will be better in the long run. Although she has her faults, I believe she is the best qualified person to be president. If Clinton is elected, she will continue all the progress President Obama made the last eight years. Hillary Clinton is a diplomatic presidential leader. She will lead the country in the right direction during this difficult time. She has served the United States of America for thirty years. I hope the United States learns from the mistake the UK made. I hope for both of my nationalities that honest and peaceful government is something in the near future.
I view my dual citizenship as a positive in my life as well as my political views. Because it gave me the opportunity to travel to Europe, it has made me a more open minded person.
I hope the United States learns from the mistake the UK made. I hope for both of my nationalities that honest and peaceful government is something in the near future.
I am more well- rounded politically because I follow politics in two different countries. The EU referendum and the 2016 election have opened my eyes to the importance of voting. They have made me realize what a privilege it is to live in a democracy. I should never abuse that privilege. Both the United States and Britain are strong resilient countries and will overcome any hardships thrown at them. Even though the future may seem bleak, I have faith in humanity that this will pass.
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