GE17: Why Vote?

Lately, I have seen a lot of my friends expressing their political views on social media and I am proud that we are mature enough to begin a discussion. However, at the same time I have seen quite a lot of people expressing annoyance about the surge in interest being shown towards politics.

"Keep politics off of Facebook"... "why bother?"... "Voting won't make a difference"

I want to address all of you who believe voting won't matter and tell you, it will! Those who spoil their ballot and joke that it doesn't matter who you vote for. Trust me, it does. I have lived in three countries throughout my lifetime. However, I have only ever been of age to vote here in England. It took me a long time to learn about the new politics, the parties, the differences in English politics and law to that of Scotland or Ireland.

However, I did my research and I got involved. Voting is a right but it's also a privilege. A civic duty. A chance for you to make your voice heard.

If you add up all the people who didn't vote or spoiled their vote in 2015, you get 35%. If these members of the public had chosen to use their right to vote, the outcome could have been different. You have the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Make the most of your opportunity.

"Why Vote?", here are a few reasons:

1. Voting will give you the power to create change, whether it be big or small, you might be the swing vote that changes the outcome from what you believe is bad to what you believe is good… use your power. In 2015, the Conservative party won majority by only 27 votes in the Gower constituency. 27 seats was all that secured that seat for the Conservatives. Imagine what could have happened if everyone had used their right to vote… we might be sitting in a very different situation now.
2. We are the voice of the youth in this country. We have to live with this outcome long after these politicians are gone. We must make our choices part of the discussion. Make the the the politicians work on our behalf, not against us.
3. Your vote is important, even if you are not in the majority. Your vote is always going to be counted and therefore it will become part of the statistics, part of the percentages. You might be the swing vote but if not, you will still push your party further towards their goal.
4. People have fought for you to have the right to vote. Don't let their efforts be in vain.
5. Voting will allow you to have a say in who represents you in your local area! It isn't all about the prime minister and the main party, the general election is also about choosing your local representative in Parliament. Choose someone who can represent your interests!
6. Politicians appeal to those who can give them power. By turning up to vote it will send a clear message that young people are engaged, and that politicians need to start considering their plights and issues. The only way to be acknowledged is to show you're there.

This election is taking place in a time where, to quote the all-knowing Galadriel, our world "stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all."

Why Vote? For our future. Avoid repeating the past. Let the youth voice be heard!