By now you are probably aware that I’m standing for election as a Labour Party candidate in May’s local elections. This exciting opportunity is giving me a chance to talk to great people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. However, one message is coming through loud and clear……voter apathy, particularly from younger people. We all acknowledge that some politicians of all persuasions have let the electorate down in many ways over the years. Yet does that mean that all future generations of Councillors & MP’s are written off before they get a chance to prove themselves? More importantly, does it deter future generations of voters from voting?

I remember when I was a child, my parents made a very big deal out of going to the polling station after work and casting their vote. I also recall turning 16 and being told that soon I would have exercise my right to vote too and replying that I really I didn’t see the point in it all. In fact, I didn’t vote when I turned 18 and I got a full on ear-bashing from Mum who in turn told

my granddad who also gave me a dose of his disapproval.

Fact ; In the 2010 general election, approximately 45% of 18-35 year olds voted compared to 70% of those over the age of 65.

A few generations including mine, were brought up on the belief that children should be seen and not heard. Those now grown-up children may still be expecting their now elderly parents to vote on their behalf? I really hope not!

The unsurprising thing is that the vast majority of younger people just do not seem interested in voting and I can almost understand why. What have candidates got in common with 18-30 year olds? Do they really want to put an ‘X’ next to someone who looks more like they will get on with their parents or even grandparents rather than understand what’s affecting them. The truth is, to get more younger people voting or even standing for election, there needs to be issues discussed which affect them today with a commitment from all political parties to address such low figures. We hear constantly in the news about parties endeavouring to increase membership of women and minority ethnic communities but little about younger people.

The funny thing is, I hear young people converse so passionately about subjects which can be decided at the polling booth, be it education, a lack of job opportunities, climate change, the property ladder, the economy…..Somehow, the argument needs to float on to the ballot box although my prediction is that the Facebook & Twitter generation may perhaps one day be able to vote on-line or via a text message!

My conclusion ;- vote with whatever agenda is on your mind –   Whether the good guy gets in or the bad guy, at last you have a say in the matter – Just Vote! Not voting is just a few steps away from a dictatorship.

Anyway, whilst living in a democracy, I’ve taken the dictator’s stance on voting in my house i.e. you will vote – end of subject!

You can’t change the world, But you can change the facts, And when you change the facts, You change points of view, If you change points of view, You may change a vote, And when you change a vote, You may change the world. Depeche Mode