The dictionary definition of a General Election is “the election of representatives to a legislature from constituencies throughout the country”. Rather perfunctory and dry, not an invitation you dream of receiving which is a shame given its importance.
What the spin doctors fail to get across is that a general election is the ultimate expression of liberty, of living as you please, of enjoying life in a democracy, and all you have to do in return, is show up once every five years. This supersedes politics. It’s a celebration of freedom.
We are blessed in this country with a rainbow of choice out there beyond the binary. Voting in the UK is about having the option to pick a Count Binface or Monster Raving Loony if we so chose; voting says thank you to the society that allows you to do that.
Don’t get sidetracked by single issue politics. You probably don’t even agree with yourself on every issue, so recognise that voting is a broad-brush exercise. All you have to do is pick one and if you don’t know which one, just go for the least bad option. Simple. If that doesn’t work for you ask yourself, are you generally a right leaning or left leaning person?
And make your own decision. The privacy of the ballot box is also a joy; just you, a little pencil and some plywood. From that power, springs the future of 68 million people.
If that burden also puts you off remember that our system is “First Past The Post”, which means that you only have to vote for your local MP – that’s it. You’re not picking a life partner or a home. and this decision is easily reversible…in another five years.
Whatever you think about it, it’s still important to vote in this – and every – election. To have a say. To be heard. To do something billions of people across the world aren’t able to.
So, how’s this for a plan? Feel free to moan. Rant all you like about politics and politicians. Be as cynical as you like. But still get down to the polling station on Thursday July 4 or send in your postal vote.
And if you don’t. Perhaps keep your thoughts to yourself for the next five years? You had your chance.
Image Credits: James Stewart .
Well put, Ms Robinson. It’s sad to see people taking their right to vote for granted to such an extent they don’t even bother to exercise it. It was a hard-won privilege for almost every group of people in this country; people fought and suffered and even died for it; and the long-term result of failing to vote will be that the country will once again be ruled by a small percentage of its citizens, with no chance of input from the rest of us. As a long-term expat, I was deprived of the vote for over 30 years, and I hope I’ll never get tired of the pleasure I get from walking into a polling station and putting my X in the box.