Thank goodness the Covid-19 vaccination programme is making fantastic progress and will bring some semblance of normality back into our lives over the next couple of months.
I doubt very much that the local elections scheduled for May this year could have taken place without the vaccination. …and that would have been a disaster for democracy.
Voting in elections is a really important way to make your voice heard on the issues that concern you Decisions are made on your behalf by local government every day, ranging from what building work is approved in your area and what recreational facilities you have, to national issues like roads, transport and education. These decisions are made by people elected to represent you.
In the last Runnymede Local Elections 18,842 ballot papers were completed by an electorate of 60,686. That’s a turnout of just 31%. When you look at Surrey County Council the turnout is even worse! This cannot be good for you or your elected representatives.
Some reasons why you should vote:
- It gives you the power to create change: By voting you choose a candidate who best suits your views.
- Support your demographic group: 71% of over 65s voted in 2017, compared to only 54% of 18-24 year olds (IPSOS Mori). The higher the turnout for a particular demographic group the more likely more benefits will accrue to that group.
- What’s the point in voting if you think your candidate can’t win: If everyone just ‘gives up’ change will never happen. Reducing a majority is a first step to gaining a majority! By voting for a “loosing” candidate you morally help them to keep fighting on.
- Your right to vote has been hard won: People have given their lives to win the right to vote. Some say it is disrespectful to them to waste your vote.
- Your successful candidate represents your ward at the borough council: It’s their job to raise local issues and support you as much as they can.
- Spoiling your ballot: By going to the polling station and not selecting any candidate before submitting to the ballot box, you become a voice for the disengaged. If there are huge numbers of spoiled ballots at election time, political parties will start to think more about what they need to do to reconnect with these voters.
Make your vote count – the link below will allow you to register to vote online: