Use your vote and make a difference

SHOCKED, saddened and ashamed: that is how many woke on the morning after our local elections. Disillusioned, in despair and disappointed is pretty much how the rest of my week went.

I was at least pleased to see who had been successful; in equal measure, I was sorely disappointed that one or two candidates had been unsuccessful.

I was left reeling at the figures – some sources stated a 29% overall turnout for Merthyr, while other sources claimed 37%.

Either way, it was shockingly low. Do so many people honestly not realise how incredibly lucky we are to live in a democracy?

The country we live in is steeped in a rich history of working-class men and women standing up for their rights and beliefs, paving the way for future generations to be able to do the same.

Our very own Keir Hardie – the founder of the Labour Party – championed the vote for women; and we all know the names Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Davison (if you don’t, you should).

But it wasn’t just women. There was a time when not even men were allowed to vote, not until the age of 21 and only then if they had acquired enough wealth and/or land.

The people were suppressed, dismissed and patronised for a long time. Bled dry and browbeaten, we had no say in our lives whatsoever.

In the mid-19th century Parliament was led only by rich aristocratic landowners who did not believe the people had any “right” to have a say on anything. At all.

How can any of us be so blatantly dismissive of our history?

The rights and freedoms we enjoy nowadays (thanks only to those who stood up) did not come to us easily. Gratitude, with regard, also appears to be in short supply…

We have a duty to use the power we have as individuals to make a difference, to bring about the changes we need and want; to stand up and be counted!

For every single eligible voter who does not turn up to vote, opportunity is lost. Your chance has gone. You lose your voice. Ironically, it is often the case that the loudest voices in dismay at the outcome are of those who did not vote – only by then it’s too late.

You can make a difference. Your vote is important. And you will be heard. It is us, the people, who are responsible for shaping the future for ourselves and for our children. Please, please, get out and vote. Laura Mochan Merthyr Tydfil