Northern Lights: Make your vote count in the up coming elections

As a woman, I am well aware that it was only just over 100 years ago that I would not have been able to vote. Here in the UK, women were only given the right to vote in 1918 if they were over 30. For women under the age of 30, it was not until 1928, less than 100 years ago, that they were given this right. In some countries, the right for women to vote has been even much more recent than that.

As a black person, in years gone by in some parts of the world, the colour of my skin would also have prevented me from being allowed to vote. In the United States, black men were given voting rights in 1870, while black women were effectively banned from voting until 1965. In South Africa, it was only in 1994 after the release from prison of Nelson Mandela that this right was given to black people. The right to vote is a fundamental human right. It is essential for a democratic society to function. Many people before us have fought, campaigned, and even lost their lives so that the right to vote is given fairly. In my opinion, not voting is a disregard for all that they went through.

Many people have lost confidence in the current government and the other political parties.

We often look at other countries where there is corruption amongst their governments, or unscrupulous behaviour and condemn them for it. Some would argue that it is not much better here. Data from Ipsos the global market research specialist shows that 31% of British people do not feel represented by any of the main parties. A figure which is disappointingly (but understandably) high.

People who are dissatisfied with the political parties and do not feel that they are represented may think that their vote is not going to make a difference. As such, they may not turn out to vote, which is not good for democracy. In the 2019 general elections, it was reported that only 67% of registered voters turned out to vote. When large numbers of people do not vote, the government becomes less representative of the people that they serve.

In the UK, young people, marginalised groups, and those considered to be from an ethnic minority background are less likely to register to vote. These groups are also less likely to be represented in parliament, so it is important that they exercise their right to vote and hold government ministers accountable.

It is important that we have a say and remind the government and political leaders that the government is here to serve the people and to create a structured and functional society.

Every vote matters so do not waste your vote by not voting. Even if you do not think that either the Conservatives or Labour parties are offering anything worth voting for, vote for somebody else. Do your research on the different parties’ manifestos and policies. What are they proposing regarding the key issues that affect you and society as a whole? Whose most resonate with you and your values? Watch their political debates and read the public statements that they put out. What are the values of the parties and the candidates? How do these align with yours? These are just a few things to consider if you are uncertain of who to vote for.

If that fails and you are still unsatisfied with what the parties and candidates have to offer, there is always the option of spoiling your ballot paper as a means of protest. It is not ideal as nothing beats an actual vote, but rather than not voting at all, it sends out a stronger message of dissatisfaction. Spoilt ballot papers get counted and if significant numbers of ballot papers are spoilt, it makes a stronger statement than not voting at all. It shows political leaders that these people are prepared to vote but they are disengaged and dissatisfied with what the political parties have to offer.

Voting is our opportunity to have a say in how the country is governed. By not exercising our right to vote, elected governments are chosen by a smaller, less representative portion of the population. Given that it is the more marginalised groups that tend not to vote, this can lead to government policies that are more favourable to those who do vote. As such, those who are more privileged.

If you are still hesitating about voting, remember that if we were all to take the stance of not voting, nothing would ever change.