Set the scene.
On 8 March 2003 Malta held a referendum on European Union membership. The valid votes split 143,094 in favour and 123,628 against.
Here’s the twist.
The yes share was 53.65% of valid votes. Notice what is being counted: a percentage of valid votes is different from a percentage of every registered voter.
Why it still matters.
Compare two dates on the timeline: the referendum in 2003 and accession in 2004. Asking a question, deciding a policy and putting it into effect can happen at different moments.
🧠 One to think about +
What does this story change about the way you see Malta today? Pick one detail you’d tell a friend — then check its source below.