In my crazy 16 year old brain I thought it would be a good idea to take Politics at A level. I’m not going to lie and tell you it was thrilling. It wasn’t and I spent numerous lessons trying to stay awake (especially the 9am Friday lesson after being at Student night on a Thursday) However I did enjoy some of it and it has made me quite passionate about certain things to do with politics.
I’m sure most people will know that there is a General Election next week. If you don’t, where have you been? Some of you may be thinking that you don’t want to vote, don’t know how to vote or don’t know who to vote for. If that is you, please read on. If you are a women reading this then please read on even more.
We have grown-up in a society where women can become doctors, go to school and have a job. I don’t know about you but I cant imagine it not being like this. It is unthinkable that women wouldn’t be allowed to vote. Why would our our opinions and thoughts not count? But they didn’t and the Suffragete movement changed this for all women. Women who believed so strongly on our right to vote that they were prepared to go to prison (repeatedly) for their beliefs, to even die for their beliefs. They passionatley campaigned (some more peacefully than others) for our right to vote. Their efforts remind me of a couple of Cesar Chavez quotes, but this one in particular “True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.” Those women left a legacy for us to follow to make the world a better place, which is why voting is essential as a woman.
The view was that women were too ignorant to politics to be able to use their vote properly. Women over 30 were allowed to vote first, but only if they had a household. Working class women and those younger than 30 weren’t allowed to vote until 1928, less than 100 years ago. Can you imagine what they would think to the millions of women who these days don’t bother to vote!
It’s now too late to make sure you are registered to vote for this Election. However as long as you are on the electoral role than you should be ok. You can check here. Even if you are too late, still register as you will then be able to vote next time.
In a simple nutshell the party with the most seats (the majority of at least 326 seats) wins the election. Each voting region will elect an MP through first past the post. The person with the most votes will win and all other votes for other MPs will be discarded. When you vote you are voting for your MP and this then affects the overall result. If no one wins with a majority of seats then you can end up with a coalition like we have had for the last few years. I’m not going to go into too much detail here but if you want to better understand how it works and how a majority is decided then you can read more here.
Type into Google ‘ who can I vote for in my constituency uk’ it will come up with a box where you type your postcode and it will then show you a list of the local candidates and their parties and if there are any independent people running.
Look at each party and what their manifesto is, where they stand on the different policies that affect our everyday lives. A good place to look is here
Try one of the who should I vote for online quizes.
I’m not sure who I’m going to vote for yet. I agree with different policies from different parties and really don’t agree with some of the others. I also don’t particularly like the leaders of some of the main parties and although you are voting for your local MP you also have to think about who this then gives a seat to in the Government, who could end up being Prime Minister. Ask yourself if you are happy with that person being the Prime Minister. If you aren’t then don’t vote for that party.
If you don’t vote you are saying you don’t care. Which brings me on to…
If you have looked at all of the above and you are still unsure whether to vote or not then consider spoiling the ballot. It’s controversial, but basically means you exercise your right to vote, but don’t vote for anyone. It sends a message that people aren’t apathetic but rather that they don’t like the options or don’t feel that their vote counts. You can do this by putting a cross next to all the options. Another thing you can do is a protest vote, where you put none on the ballot paper. All votes are recorded and announced so if you don’t agree with the system or like your options then this could be a way of still exercising your right to vote. This page has a lot more information.
In the last General Election 34% of registered voters, that’s 16 million who didn’t vote!
Great post and a helpful one for a lot of people who are unsure. I’ve always voted but strangely in the last 14 years I’ve always been certain who apart from this year. I’m so torn with bits. The plan is to really look into it this week and see. Thanks for linking up with us on the #bigfatlinky hope to see you there next week
It always makes me sad when people don’t vote. I get that there is the thought that none of the people represent you (although in most cases there will be someone who does even if it isn’t one of the bigger parties), but if that really is the case then as you say register a spoiled vote it does send a message.
As for voting for smaller parties, the more votes they get the more likely they are to have their fees returned to them and then they can stand again next time with more in their coffers so to speak.
A great read. To be honest, I only vote because I would raise Holy Hell if I was told I wasn’t allowed to. Also, because if you forfeit your right to vote, then to me you forfeit your right to moan about the result. Having said that, I’m still undecided. The three main parties have all proved they don’t deserve my vote, and voting for the independent parties feels like a wasted vote! #bigfatlinky
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Oh I love this post! I grew up with the belief that the suffragettes fought for my right to vote so vote I do. I haven’t voted this year as I missed the overseas postal ballot, but forgiveable given my recent addition I think 🙂 #bigfatlinky
It’s nice to see the election getting some coverage. I don’t like to mention politics on my blog as I’m worried it’s too controversial and I’m aware that as I’m in Scotland my views are maybe different from those of the rest of the UK. I will definitely be voting and I’m pleased that a lot of people I know are talking about the election – many are planning to vote for the first time. I have decided that I am going to vote purely on what I believe rather than tactically. #TwinklyTuesday
I would never have thought of putting an empty slip in. I only started voting when I felt I had the knowledge behind it all. I felt that before a certain age (late 20s at my first vote) I just didnt have the right. I mean obviously I did have the right but I didn’t know what I was voting for at a younger age and so didn’t want to impact on anything important as, as you say every vote counts. I will be voting tomorrow though as I have a mortage a job and a family to consider. Great post!
I find it inconceivable that people in the UK — women in particular — wouldn’t take advantage of their right to vote! As you mentioned, the Suffragettes fought hard and in some cases lost their lives in order for modern women to have a voice in politics. It’s crazy that in certain countries today — Saudi for one — women STILL aren’t able to vote!! Why you wouldn’t take advantage of the privilege of voting is beyond me! Great post 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #TwinklyTuesday x
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk