Vote or die

Voting in today's election? Good for you! And if you aren’t, you better read this because really—there is no excuse

Today, Sheffield and cities all over the UK will be relishing in the benefits of democracy by casting a vote in their local elections. In all honesty, I’m excited. And I’m not even a UK citizen! (I’m American so… yeah)

However, when I look at the dismal numbers Sheffield likes to call its voter turnout, I get this feeling that you’re not too bothered by the election.

All I have to say is this: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! Why are YOU—the reader, voter, and local resident—completely disregarding the fact that you have a say in something that basically impacts the way you live?

The Sheffield city council does so much for its residents. It oversees the schools, the recycling and rubbish pick-up, housing benefits, roads, libraries, parks, and so much more. There isn’t a day that goes by when you aren’t using at least one of these services.

Disregarding your local government does not make sense. They do all these wonderful things for you and you thank them by not voting? That’s just not kosher.

The unofficially Labour-lead council has manipulated some services offered by the City of Sheffield, its true, but they still make sure this city is alive and well. The revival of the city centre wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for them approving the plans and the funds.

Just think: this is an election that will change your future. And here you were thinking the only future-changing election taking place this year was the presidential race in the United States!

With the struggle between Labour and Liberal Democrats heating up to a dangerous boiling point, YOU could be the deciding vote between who takes the official lead in the council. Let’s face it—this city could be ruined if you don’t vote this year or in the years to come.

More importantly, by becoming involved in politics at the local level, you have a say in how money is allocated to the services you regularly benefit from. Services such as housing assistance won’t get the boost they need if a candidate that supports increasing the benefits isn’t elected.

No longer have an excuse
There are a lot of things that deter people from voting; that’s understandable. But voting is an equal right that caters to people so they can have a say in their government. For instance, those who may not speak English as their first language can request a ballot in their native language.

For those of you who do not vote and fall back on the simple excuse of “you aren’t interested in politics,” consider this: All the drama, gossiping, meetings and planning that goes on at your place of work is called office politics. All of the drama, gossiping, mind games and planning that goes on with your family and friends is also called politics. Guess what—you are interested in politics. Why not branch out and become involved in your local government’s drama, gossiping, planning, etc?

If it’s confusion on which party to support, than use your resources! The internet, your family and friends are all excellent ways to learn about politics. Don't be afraid to ask. Choosing a party to affiliate with can be a scary undertaking. By using the right resources, you can be sure this excuse will no longer hold you back from voting.

To those of you who say you are too lazy to go out and vote—what the heck. It takes like what, ten minutes to go vote? Nobody is seriously that lazy.

The worst excuse a registered or unregistered voter can use is “my vote doesn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, your vote DOES matter. Voting brings about change. I understand you may live in a ward where Liberal Democrats rule and you support Conservative; however, you can’t let that hold you back. Did the fact Southern Democrats didn’t support civil rights stop Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from pressing on for change? NO. If they did not give up, than neither should you. Otherwise change will never happen.

I always tell people that if they don’t vote then they’re not allowed to complain. They lost that right the minute they decided to avoid making a decision on how their local (and national) government can benefit them.

Face the facts: local politics are important. Without them, you would be forever sitting in a broken down house with an overflowing rubbish bin out by the roadside, waiting for someone—anyone!—to come clear you from this wreckage.

So… what are you waiting for? Put the magazine down and GO VOTE!

(Otherwise I’m sending you to Cuba, where you’ll have to apologize to every person inhabiting the island for the fact that you take your right to vote for granted when they obviously don’t have one)

Author's note: I wrote this for class in honor of our election project that's covering my uni city of Sheffield. I seriously <3 this piece. The comments I make here stand true for any voter from any democratic country. Go out and vote because you never know when you won't have the chance to do so.