UK parliamentary elections - my apolitical view
As most of you are probably aware, yesterday UK held its 56th parliamentary elections, since general elections were first introduced in 1802 (credit to Wikipedia)
Like, I expect most of us, I too have my political views, but in respect of WA rules, I shall not share them in this forum.
What I feel in somewhat reason proud of doing, however, is taking part, in small proportion, in the democratic process of this country. For the last 5 years I have been working as a poll clerk for all elections or referendums that have been held in UK. For the last couple of years I have also worked in different roles, canvassing for the local Electoral Services and delivering the all important poll cards, again locally.
For rendering such small services in the grand scheme of UK electoral system, I get paid a small fee - it could be seen as a sideline 'seasonal' revenue, you could say.
But by working closely with the local electoral services, I feel I play my part in ensuring the process is run smoothly, by serving residents when they go to vote - or even by ensuring that residents do register to vote!!
Yesterday UK saw a turnout of approximately 68.7% over an estimated 46.7 million of electors eligible to vote (as reported by the media this morning). I believe the polling station I worked at yesterday did not reach this national average, although it was not far off.
Nevertheless, I find a mere 68% for a parliamentary election is not high enough turnout for a country to decide its future for the next five years.
Last year referendum on whether UK should leave or remain in Europe saw a soaring in number of electors, and that was absolutely grand. But this country should understand how important it is to carry on contributing to the democratic development of a government by giving your say on election day.
Past generations have fought long and hard in previous centuries to gain the right to express their political opinion - and women had to fight even longer and harder.
A government cannot make people vote. But then people should not complain about the alleged state of disrepair of public services, economy or national health (to mention but some of the points touched by different parties in the recent campaign), if they then refuse to have their say on election day.
Most of us are here to improve our own quality of life and the one of our families - but we are also here to share our views with our posts and reviews, and to make a difference. I am sure most of you will understand my view point.
Giulia
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Yes..in USA voter turnout is really low...but the complaining afterwards reaches new heights with each election. Sad situation. Debbie
Yep, same here. Don't get me wrong, yesterday we were busy at the polling station where I worked, but there were times of quietness, when in fact I would expect a parliamentary election have queues of people!
I agree with your comment on the 68% turnout, Giulia. As a fellow Brit, who went to the polliing booth yesterday I have my own take on that.
This election produced a Hung Parliament with no party getting an over all majority. That's been the case in 2 out of the past 3 elections.
I believe the reason for the low turnout is that due to our First Past The Post system of returning governments, many people feel dis-enfranchised from the political process, and, knowing that their vote either won't count for anything or that they feel compelled or even coerced into vote tactically rather than for the party they actually want to vote for, puts many people off voting.
2015 produced the most disproportionate election result ever and was totally out of kilter with the votes cast throughout the country.
In the UK the purpose of our vote is twofold - to elect a local MP and to elect a government. I believe that in order to do that effectively, we need to have separate elections for Parliament and Government.
There are many people who feel that while they have a good local MP, their party leader would not make a good PM, and vice versa.
Voting is a democratic right that has been bought for us by the blood of our forebears, therefore making it a moral duty, but all votes have to count. As things stand with FPTP, they don't and the result of this election has made the argument for it's retention all but invalid.
Rich
I can see your point, and I can see why the country may want a review of the electoral system? Maybe a proportional representation like in Italy? But historically in the last few decades Italy has also fallen pray to hung parliaments, which have never proven succesful.
It's not only a right to vote, it's, in my opinion, also your duty.
I do not agree that a government can't make people vote. Everyone gets a personal voting pass. Just sent to the ones NOT handed in a fine of £ 250.
I think that will motivate people to go to the ballot box.
As much as I think everyone should vote, I think a big issue right now is voter fatigue, and the elephant in the room - FPTP. It's an archaic methodology that effectively disenfranchises millions each time.
But, that aside, big kudos for what you do. Without volunteers democracy would, literally, stop. So, thank you :)
Funnily enough, Bryn, I hear comments from local residents wondering how more often than in the past they are called to cast their vote, and at least in UK, how much the whole process may cost the taxpayer every time that an election or referendum are announced. But I shall leave it at that, as I don't want to go deeper in political meanders :)
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I agree - don't vote, don't complain.
Well said Darleen :)