Posted by Voting is important because for the vast majority of people, this is the main way they can influence decisions about how the country is run.
It Gives You a Say on Who Represents You at All Levels of Government
Being able to vote gives you a say on who represents you in your local council, in the UK Parliament and in Europe. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, being registered also gives you a say in who represents you there.
At any election, one of the candidates will always be selected, whether you vote or not. If you’re registered, you’ll have the chance to have a say on who represents you by voting.
We all have a little moan about politicians, but people have actually elected them! If you don’t vote; you won’t be able to have your say.
If You’re Not Registered You Won’t be Able to Vote
A UK Parliamentary general election, for example, can be called as late as 17 working days before Election Day, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Register more sooner than later to make sure you are on the electoral roll, thus giving you the right to show your opinion.
Play Your Part in the Democratic Process
Across the world people have died fighting for the right to vote and be part of a democracy by taking the trouble to vote you’ll be showing that you think that right is important.
Look at it this way, in the UK, less than 100 years ago, people were killed during their struggles to get the vote for women. In South Africa, not until the end of apartheid in 1994 were black people able to vote for the first time. Today, many people across the world are still denied the right to vote.
It Gives You a Say on Important Issues That Affect You
Let’s face it, politics impacts on most things in our lives, from roads and transport, education, the food we eat, to climate change. It does seem to be a bit of an effort sometimes to get down to the polling station, but there may be an issue that you want to have your say on, if you’re on the register you’ll have the chance to vote on it. Registering to vote doesn’t mean you have to, it just means that you reserve the right.
If you ever need help from an elected official, the first thing they will ask you is if you are registered to vote. If you are, they will take more notice, as voters are taken very seriously.
You might think “one vote” doesn’t make much of a difference, but voting is your privilege, and many elections are decided by the narrowest margin of votes. Your one vote could make a considerable difference.People who have voted have the right to complain about the Government, if they haven’t then it’s probably their fault we are in this mess.
Abraham Lincoln was heard to say: “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” So remember, your vote is your voice, get shooting!
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