coxy's blog

Tomorrow, 4th June 2009, people across the United Kingdom can vote to elect 72 members of the European Parliament via the Local Elections polling that will take place between the hours of 7am and 10pm. Discussing politics and elections can go either way; usually resulting in an interesting and intelligent discussion, or just ignored. This post will probably go the latter, though I'd rather it didn't - so I'm keeping it brief.

Basically, if you have the ability to, get out to your local polling station and vote. If you're already registered to vote, you should have received a polling card through your door directing you to your nearest polling station. If you haven't, you won't be able to vote in this election, but can register for future elections by visiting aboutmyvote.co.uk

If you've never voted before - I'd encourage you to do it. People over the years have died fighting for the right to vote regardless of their gender, age or social class and to dismiss your opportunity to vote would be a wasted vote. In the UK, less than 100 years ago, people were killed during their struggles to get the vote for women. In South Africa, not until the end of apartheid in 1994 were black people able to vote for the first time.

For those that don't know what they're voting for, the European Elections give the Parliament Members a say on issues which will effect all countries in the EU, namely; animal rights, consumer rights, the environment, international trade, regional economic development and workers' rights. You choose the Parliament Members. And, if you're not sure who to vote for, the BBC have a Party-by-Party Guide and you can always refer to the party's individual website for a more detailed run-down of that party's policies, or take a look at the leaflets that you're more than likely to have received through your door.

So basically, get down to your local polling station and put a cross in one of the boxes. Preferably not the British National Party box - but it's your choice - and that's the point of all this... you have the opportunity to make a choice. Take it.