I have been shocked and
concerned by a few rather worrying conversations over the past few weeks when
discussing the elections.
I’ve been asking friends and
work colleagues who they might vote for in May. Some have given me decent and
valid answers, not all of which I agree with, but they are at least
understandable. However, I have come across one particular answer which has
cropped up a surprising amount of times- “I’ll vote for whoever my parents vote
for.” Some expand on this “I don’t really understand politics. I know my
parents get it.”
I believe that we all need to
be as informed as possible. I will admit I am not the best when it comes to
understanding manifestos, but there are websites that simplify the different
party’s key intentions. Plus, I think every person in this country, as an
individual, has a duty to try and grasp each political party’s view and vote
for issues that they care strongly about. There might be things that really
surprise you and that you might vote for, but your parents might not. For
example, a proposal that clarifies my point is that the Greens want to
decriminalise cannabis and axe prison sentences for possession of other drugs. This might well be the sort of point that
really appeals to you, but that your parents may not agree with, and is the
sort of controversial issue that will influence whether or not you decide to
support them. But only if you make sure you are informed.
Please stop and think this
election. Your vote counts.
