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The general election is coming up, 7th May to be exact and that means an up coming influx of party leaders telling you why you should vote for them and why they're the best party for you. You're probably say the line 'politicians they're all the bloody same, nothing will change' and you won't feel like going to vote. Well today I'm going to tell you why you should. In 2010 only 24% of under 25's voted for that exact reason, they just don't bother because they don't see the point. This year it's important this changes.
So why should you vote?
For generations people have campaigned and died for the right to vote, in the UK historically but in other countries even now. If you're over 16 in the UK you have the privilege of living in a democracy where you can vote to decide who runs the country you live in. It's not a privilege every one in the world has so you really should take advantage of that privilege and head down to the polling station and put an x in the box to get your voice heard. That's really all it takes, ten minutes tops.
If you still think that's not reason enough to do it, don't fear I have more.
With a low percentage of young voters it means that young people's voices aren't heard and their opinions are cast aside. In tough economic times governments do have to make cuts and as harsh as it is they'll make cuts where the lowest percentage of voters are and yes, that the young. If people don't vote the government isn't a true representation of what the British public want. If you want things to change, if you want your voice to be hear you have to go out and vote. It's really as simple as that.
I know, on the face of it, it seems like every political party is the same. They're going to change the same thing and it will have the same effect whatever party is leading. Well that's not really true. Political parties have got different policies for different things and there's likely to be one that you'll agree with more than the others. It's easy to find out about a party's policies, check out the Bite the Ballot YouTube channel and in particular the leaders live playlist for information on most of (though no the Conservatives) policies that really effect young people as they answer questions from young people. You can also find all the political parties manifestos on big policies online with the BBC.
You've heard it before but politics really does effect everything. Education, NHS, immigration, housing and transport. Everything. And they're all things that effect your everyday life. Your bus fare, your tuition fee's, your free health care etc, etc, etc. You definitely have a view on these things and political parties will be making manifestos about these issues and telling you about them, some you'll agree with some you won't but that's what helps you decide who to vote for. Your views might be different to your friends and your families so make sure you're voting for the party you really think is doing things you want to see happen and not just because your mum's told you to vote for them.
Voting is so important. Make sure you register to vote before the election and check out the about my vote website for more information. There's heaps of information about voting, the general election, political parties and politics in general online so there's no need to feel ignorant even if the education system failed at teaching you anything about politics.
Was that too political? Oh well,
Until tomorrow...
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