WHY I VOTED

Adriano Russo

We get the government we deserve

As a first time voter this was the first election where I could exercise my democratic right, which many people take for granted. I’m not particularly interested in British politics, nor do I I find myself sneering in contempt at our own democratic traditionaffiliate myself with any political party or class my views as left or right wing. But you don’t have to be politically aware to take part in an election, which only rolls around every four years or so. It’s the time to shrug off indifference and join in the political discourse.

whenever I find myself sneering in contempt at our own democratic tradition, I always imagine what the alternative would beOf course the most frequently asked question is, ‘Who I would vote for?’ It was only after I began to honestly examine my own views on issues that I felt were important and affected me that I was finally able to decide (I voted Lib-Dem). Either that or flip a coin. Election debates on TV, radio and online, provided an impressive forum of ideas and offered a great opportunity to become surer of who I am and what my views are in regards to so many subject matters.

While I’m disinterested in politics in Britain I do take a keen interest in international politics and affairs and in large swathes of the planet democracy either doesn’t exist or is routinely sabotaged. So whenever I find myself sneering in contempt at our own democratic tradition, I always imagine what the alternative would be. When you grow up with freedom, it is all too easy to spit on that freedom because you don’t know what it means not to have it.

Whether a person votes or not is always their decision but it does strike me as a responsibility that every citizen in society should participate in, regardless of what you think of politicians. A government will always be a reflection of the people who elected it, and one which they rightly deserve. This is why it’s important to use your voice and be heard in every election until your last.

WHY I DIDN’T VOTE
All talk and no action

Nadia Meksem

Politicians and governments tend to say things that they are going to implement and deliver but never go by the words. It just makes me want to back out of voting even though I haven’t The government and politicians seem so out of touch with what young people want and need tried it before. I personally think that as a young person I and other people do not get the chance to put our own views across to the politicians/government.  For example: When a new youth centre has opened up and funding is needed due to lack of facilities and recourses, it’s down to the government. But does the government ask us to put our views across?
We do not get the chance to speak. I think that the politicians and government should start asking us what we would like done across London and any improvements that need to be adjusted.

Another reason why I don’t vote is that we are not encouraged enough. My questions would be ‘Why should I vote?’ and ‘Is it going to make a difference?’
Another problem that concerns me is that if they are wanting young people to do well academically and continue further education in order to get high paid jobs then why charge such high amount of fees for university?’ No wonder more people are backing out on education after college. I am talking from my own experience. I went straight from college to work. The government and politicians seem so out of touch with what young people want and need.

Overall, the government/politicians need to start opening their eyes and ears to implement and deliver their promises to the public. Then that way maybe in the near future I will start thinking about getting out there and voting.

Want to find out more go to ukyouthparliament.org.uk