4 Reasons Why the London Local Elections are So Important
The Local Election - Let's Do This!
Calling all Londoners - the time has come. On May 3rd there will be local elections - so get your pencils ready as this means it’s voting time again!
Besides electing all the councillors in the 32 boroughs, Londoners will also directly elect the Mayors of Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets.
If you're feeling rather in a bother about all this voting, here's a quick list of reasons why this election is so important. Read on to find out more...
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Item number 1
Local councillors are elected to represent their local community and make decisions that will impact on the day to day life of every resident – including you! From deciding if a council estate needs to undergo a regeneration, to overseeing the waste collection and recycling, to ensuring road and street lighting are in good order and dealing with potholes, our councillors are involved.
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Item number 2
Councillors are also involved in the ‘cooler’ things - such as ensuring local culture is preserved by making planning provisions that safeguard local music venues! They also help build strong, stable communities not least by overseeing community safety and crime reduction and by maintaining good and affordable transport links.
Elected Councillors are the voice of their community. So, if you don't vote, there's a chance your views on these issues won't be heard.
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Item number 3
You have your rubbish collected by the council? And either walk, drive or take a bus at some point? Like it or not, local politics touches every part of your life. But luckily, we live in a democracy so we have the right to shape these politics! That's a sweet treat too good to pass up.
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Item number 4
Ok, voting isn't the most glamourous of activities, but you're performing a civic duty and doing some great adulting in the process. So give yourself a pat on the back (and a scoop in your bowl!).
Find Out More About Your Elections
To find out more about your local candidates check out this nifty site and remember to be able to vote you need to have registered before the 17th April deadline so grab your National Insurance number and register to vote NOW!
Happy voting!
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