Another General Election?! Here’s Why It’s So Important.

Trip to the Polls, Anyone?

General elections, mayoral elections, the referendum… the UK’s done so much voting in the last two years that going to the polls has almost joined queueing and grumbling about the weather in the top 10 national pastimes.

So it’s no wonder that most of us reacted to the news of a snap general election on 8^th June like Brenda from Bristol did…. “Another one?!”

Letting the People in Charge Know What’s What

It might not feel like it, but this election is just as important – if not more so – than any of the others we’ve had recently. Like all general elections, it gives us, the people, the chance to say who’s going to lead the country for the next five years.

What it also gives us is the chance to tell our local candidates what really matters to us. Now is the time to influence them – they’re after our votes; they’ll be listening. Think of all the progress (or otherwise…) that could be made in the next five years on climate change, education, the NHS, homelessness, refugees… we could go on. So make sure you find out what your candidates think about the issues that you care about and use that to inform your vote.

The B-Word

Let’s not forget the elephant in the room – Brexit. Theresa May says she called this election to strengthen her position in negotiating the UK’s exit from the European Union. And the terms of this deal are important. They will affect everything – from the economy to the environment, the clothes you wear to the food you eat.

Before this election was called, all of that negotiating was going to happen without any input from the people at all. But now, we have a short but significant (!) window to use our people power and make our opinions heard. Tell your candidates what you want to see from Brexit, and vote for the candidate that matches how you feel about it.

Don’t Get Frozen Out

Back in 2015’s general election, a mere 43% of 18-24 year olds voted, compared with 78% of over 65s. That means the voices of more than half of all 18-24 year olds weren’t heard. So now, as the UK enters negotiations with the EU, it’s crucial that we speak up and make the people in charge listen to what we have to say!

If you’re not registered to vote, register now. And if you’re unsure whether or not you’re registered, register again. If you’ve moved house since the last time you voted, re-register now. Voting is the starting point for shaping our country and making the people in charge listen – in other words, it’s a vital part of being an active citizen.

And remember – democracy only works when it works for everyone. Everyone needs to have their say on 8^th June. Voters – we salute you!