If you are angry or fed up, do the right thing – vote

It took us hundreds of years to win the right to vote and we mustn’t waste it, says campaigner and Canterbury Christ Church University student Tammana Miah, who is urging young people to get to polling stations today

Today’s general election offers us a chance to shape our future. In order to do that we have to vote, but the fact is young people are missing out on the representation offered by our democratic system by not making trips to their local polling stations.

In 2015, Ipsos Mori found that only 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds turned out to vote, compared to 78% of people aged over 65, in an election with a national turnout of 66%.

Every vote counts, even in a constituency like Canterbury and Whitstable, which has always returned a Conservative as its MP.

Yet people I talk to say: “I don’t care about politics.” “Why should I vote? Politicians don’t listen to us.” “Politicians don’t represent me.” “They are all rich old men in suits.” “They are all the same.” “They will never change.”

By not voting, you are contributing to a vicious cycle and low turnout.

It means you cannot have a say on issues such as tuition fees, the national living wage, our future relationship with the European Union, reductions in housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds and cuts to student disability allowances.

No wonder the elderly are catered for with bus passes and winter fuel allowances – because more than 78% turned up and voted in 2015.

The politicians didn’t have a choice but to listen to them.

After speaking to politicians myself, I’ve learned that those with limited time on the campaign trail will prioritise who they to speak to.

As a result of voting patterns, they are more likely to go visit the elderly wherever they can find them.

If young people came and voted in large numbers then politicians would have to really listen to young people’s concerns.

One voice is loud but a thousand voices is louder.

If you do not vote then politicians will continue to ignore you and not take you or your concerns seriously.

If you are still uncertain who to vote for today, then I have some suggestions.

Do as much research as you can to come to a well-informed judgement, take a look at the manifestos, the campaign, the news and social media, and any past and present information about the candidates, because every vote will have an impact around the country.

Even if you are unsure and apolitical, still go and vote and make your political statement at the ballot box.

As a last resort, if you really feel uncomfortable and do not like any of the candidates, then spoil your ballot to show that you have at least turned out to make a statement.

But if you don’t vote then you don’t really have a voice or a right to complain when the election doesn’t turn out how you want.

Young people getting out and voting will also help alleviate the stereotype that they aren’t interested in or engaged with politics.

We deserve to be heard and this is too important an opportunity to miss. Don’t let someone else dictate your future for you.

If you are angry and fed up, go and do the right thing: use your vote.

Tamanna Miah is a politics and media student at Canterbury Christ Church University, a mental health campaigner and a writer

‘No wonder the elderly are catered for – more than 78% turned up and voted in 2015’