Don’t come up with excuses... just vote!

HERE are some lame excuses for not voting.

“They’re all in it for themselves” – so vote them out.

“I don’t do politics” – then politics will “do” you. The government is chosen by those who voted.

“My vote doesn’t count” – all votes are counted and recorded.

“My vote is wasted” – just because your preferred candidate didn’t win does not mean your vote is wasted. Just look at Ukip – never had a single MP but still managed to bounce us out of the EU. Seeing a rival party getting close gets the attention of sitting MPs. The growth of minority parties, some good, some not, also gets the attention of politicians – Ukip again.

“If there was a ‘None of the above option’ then I would vote” – there is! Simply do not vote for any candidate on the ballot form – your vote will be counted, recorded and announced at the declaration.

“I can’t get to the polling station” – then register for a postal vote (a bit late for this election but get ready for the next one.)

“I’ve forgotten to post my postal vote” – no problem, take it along to your polling station, or have someone take it for you.

“I don’t know who to vote for”

– fair comment, with so many candidates and unbelievable claims and promises it is difficult to decide. However in Wales there is a hybrid voting system so you can skip the individual candidate and just vote for a party.

For young first time voters confused by the long list of outrageous claims, you could follow your European cousins and just vote for the Green Party (I would say that wouldn’t I)

Don’t forget – it’s your planet/ country too.

The turnout at the last Senedd election was a disgraceful 45.5%, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!

If none of the above convinces you to vote then do out of respect for the millions who sacrificed their lives in the last century to ensure that you still have the ability to vote.

Just vote!

Terry Green Blackwood