Why Vote?
Wednesday 2 February 2011Simple question. What is the point of any of us going to the effort of checking if we’re registered, registering if we’re not and turning up at the local election centre to vote?
Well, it’s fair to say that most people believe in having the right to vote. We’ve all heard about our forefathers having to lay down their lives so we could decide who our leaders would be but what does voting mean to me, today? Will it make any difference?
Well, if you want a have a say on how the country achieves better healthcare, education and childcare, fairer taxation, basic income for all, better local amenities the primary way to do this is to vote. Our political system allows us every four years to decide if the people making the decisions that impact our lives are up to the job.
The fact is that, although politicians can all sound the same, the policies each party represents will have very different impacts on the services and taxes that affect us all on a daily basis. Decisions are made on your behalf everyday in healthcare, education, housing, in global issues like defence and environment and local issues like bins and leisure facilities.
Voting gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life. If you don’t vote others will make the decisions for you. Voting will send a message about what sort of Ireland you want and expect. It’s the most important way to make your voice heard on the issues that concern you.
So, whatever else you have planned for Friday, 25th February make sure you get out and vote.
