An Election Message

Well, the day has finally arrived and those of us without a postal vote must brave the weather and do our duty in some draughty community hall or other.

I suppose it's partly to do with my age, but I would never countenance not voting, particularly given the long struggle it took to gain enfranchisement, so it's good to see even Russell Brand has changed his view on this, albeit a bit late in the day for those who failed to register in time. 

Despite what the politicians might say, including David Cameron, every vote doesn't count because many people live in very safe seats where legend has it even pigs with rosettes could get elected and the votes are weighed, not counted. But I firmly believe it's still our civic responsibility to turn out, because it's right.   

Our 'first past the post' system is crap and will never deliver a result remotely close to the true wishes of the people, but I think we must still vote in order to ensure our politicians never get the idea that we're apathetic about what goes on in our name. Actually I think many of us are angry about politicians and politics, but feel completely unable to influence things. 

For over 30 years I've acted as a Polling Station Presiding Officer and routinely have to try and answer complaints from voters who typically say, 'No one's been round' or 'I've had no leaflets' as if it's my fault. I bite my tongue of course and politely say it's up to the candidates, but I really want to say 'it's a safe seat and they don't give a toss'. 

Sadly, only Nigel Farage has consistently highlighted the need to ditch this long-outmoded electoral system that only ever suited a two-party state and disenfranchises the majority. Lets hope we can put the case for change once more, only this time get the Liberal Democrats to support a fair and understandable alternative.  

Regular readers will know that I was a keen advocate of spoiling the ballot paper during the ridiculous charade of electing Police and Crime Commissioners. This tactic would be much preferable in my view if citizens really can't bring themselves to endorse any of the current crop of politicians, or parties.  

It will come as no great surprise that this blog will not be endorsing the Tories, or more accurately the 'nasty party' and in my view the Liberal Democrats must be punished for having actively supported the TR omnishambles and demise of an honourable public service and profession. 

As I live in England, certain electoral options are not open to me and as much as I would welcome electoral reform and a referendum on membership of the EU, I really can't bring myself to support UKIP. I always vote Green in European elections, safe in the knowledge that every vote does count under Proportional Representation, but a general election is different and I really do want to ensure I do my bit to keep a Tory out. Hence I will be joining the many hundreds of thousands of voters forced into voting tactically because of our crap voting system. 

Lets hope and pray we will soon be delivered of a more enlightened and compassionate government than the one we've had to endure over this past five long years. I'll sign off with two messages that particularly resonate with me:-